French language Q&A Forum

Hi, the text seems to sometimes, but not that often, use the Passé Simple (e.g. from the text: adoptèrent, acceptèrent).

I know that this tense is used almost exclusively in written, as opposed to spoken, French. Do you have any other guidelines on when this tense is invoked, as it seems to be used only occasionally even in a single piece of written French. 

I don't understand the meaning of " préparé des cartons", could someone tell me, please?

Merci

Instead of 'si ça avait été mes œufs' could you say 'si cela avait été mes œufs' - or would that be too formal ?

The question is above. Thanks in advance

Hello, I was wondering if for sentences like "if she were to..., she would...," we use the tense imparfait and conditionnel présent? I also saw sentences that use the verb devoir "si elle devait faire cela..." in these kinds of sentences. Is that correct? 

Hi, could you say a few words about “qui que ce soit”. Is this a special construction of some kind?

Arrived here from a Kwiz and given a choice of même and pareille.. i choose la pareille.. which it said was wrong and directed me here for an explanation.. not seeing pareille and any explanation as to why I was wrong?

I share James' question.  I initially thought the difference must be as Jim describes, but the more I looked at examples the more they all seemed to be the same.  In fact, the future anterior seemed to me to be an unnecessary complication of a pretty straightforward situation.  The Future/Future examples just sound better to me than the Future Anterior/Future.  When an answer will have been offered, I will understand fully.  (Doesn't sound any better in English)!  

Many thanks, Jamie