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

Teresa P.C1Kwiziq community member

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

Asked 7 years ago
AurélieNative French expert teacher in Kwiziq
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!
Teresa P.C1Kwiziq 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.
Teresa P. asked:

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

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