Kseniia
Question about French verb forms (Conditionnel) "Mr et Mrs Dursley, qui habitaient au 4, Privet Drive, avaient toujours affirmé avec la plus grande fierté qu'ils étaient parfaitement normaux, merci pour eux. Jamais quiconque n'aurait imaginé qu'ils puissent se trouver impliqués dans quoi que ce soit d'étrange ou de mystérieux." It is the first two sentences of the first Harry Potter book in French. Why the verb affirmer is used in Plus-que-parfait? Why imaginer is in Conditionnel passé here? And after that Subjonctif present? Is there sequence of tenses for Conditionnel? I can't find the rules. I feel confused. 1 more question: "Les Dursley tremblaient d'épouvante à la pensée de ce que diraient les voisins si par malheur les Potter se montraient dans leur rue." Dire is in futur-dans-le passe here or in Conditionnel Present?
Aug 27, 2016 5:44 PM
Answers · 2
Hello Ksenia ! 1."Plus que parfait" is used to express that action A happened before action B in the same sentence. -> Here in the sentence, it means that the Dursley have always said that they are normal, even before they started living at 4 Privet Drive. -> Action A is "avaient toujours affirmé" and Action B is "Mr et Mrs Dursley qui habitaient au 4 Privet Drive". 2. Concerning the "Passé Conditionnel", it is usually used to express either regret or for making a supposition. In my opinion, it's used here as supposition. You could replace "imaginer" by "Jamais quiconque n'aurait supposé" : Nobody would have known or thinked that .... 3.I am not certain how to explain the use of Subjectif présent. I would say, it's here to express a wish or indignation. Please check that with a professional teacher (^_^) 3. "Dire" is used in "Conditionnel Présent" form not "Futur". Voilà ! I hope it helps !
August 27, 2016
Still haven’t found your answers?
Write down your questions and let the native speakers help you!