I'm confused about the difference in using "avant que" et "quand".

TeresaC1Kwiziq community member

I'm confused about the difference in using "avant que" et "quand".

Asked 6 years ago
AurélieKwiziq team member
Bonjour Teresa ! There are two distinct expressions in French, and therefore don't behave in the same manner. "Avant que" expresses an action taking place *after* the main clause: Le Subjonctif implies there's a doubt as to whether this action will take place, as it hasn't happened yet. Whereas "quand" expresses a simultaneity, hence it being more assured and therefore followed by L'Indicatif mood. Other expressions behaving like "quand" would be: "lorsque" (when), pendant que (while), une fois que (once), etc... I hope that's helpful!
TeresaC1Kwiziq community member
Thank you. I'm sorry my question was so general, but somehow it submitted before I was finished writing. In my textbook, I see "On ira au cinéma quand on finira nos devoirs." It just seemed so different from the English that it threw me.

I'm confused about the difference in using "avant que" et "quand".

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