Although v. “Even if”This lesson describes “although” and “even if” as “similar” but states that “although” is “more elegant and subtle” than “even if.” This is not quite right. There is a significant difference in meaning. “Although” is usually followed by a concession/affirmation of fact, while “even if” is followed by a hypothetical assumption (without a concession/affirmation of fact).
For example:
“Although I stole the hat, I did not deserve the death penalty.” — I am admitting I stole the hat.
“Even if I stole the hat, I did not deserve the death penalty.” There is ambiguity here. I am not necessarily admitting I stole the hat. I am saying that, even assuming I stole the hat, I don’t deserve the death penalty.
It’s unclear to me if there is a similar distinction in meaning in French between bien que and meme si which explains why one form takes indicative and the other subjunctive. I would expect the version that is closer to although and which affirms a fact to take indicative, and the other subjunctive. At least that is how it works in Spanish - “aunque” with indicative is “although,” and “aunque” with subjunctive is “even if.”
Can it be interchangeable?
What's the difference between le verbre aller et aillent? Is it the same verb, different tense? Or am I way off and it's just pronounced aillent?
I'm really confused. I was marked wrong on a test when I put 'le jour de la Paques' for 'Easter Day'. The correct answer is supposedly 'le jour de Paques'.
Which is it?
Hi,
Could someone please help me to understand which is the appropriate way to use the verb 's'intéresser à' in the sentence 'The subject I am interested in is French'.
I have seen it used in two ways and am wondering which is correct or the most common.
1. La matière à laquelle je m'intéresse est le français.
2. La matière qui m'intéresse est le français.
Thank you :)
This lesson describes “although” and “even if” as “similar” but states that “although” is “more elegant and subtle” than “even if.” This is not quite right. There is a significant difference in meaning. “Although” is usually followed by a concession/affirmation of fact, while “even if” is followed by a hypothetical assumption (without a concession/affirmation of fact).
For example:
“Although I stole the hat, I did not deserve the death penalty.” — I am admitting I stole the hat.
“Even if I stole the hat, I did not deserve the death penalty.” There is ambiguity here. I am not necessarily admitting I stole the hat. I am saying that, even assuming I stole the hat, I don’t deserve the death penalty.
It’s unclear to me if there is a similar distinction in meaning in French between bien que and meme si which explains why one form takes indicative and the other subjunctive. I would expect the version that is closer to although and which affirms a fact to take indicative, and the other subjunctive. At least that is how it works in Spanish - “aunque” with indicative is “although,” and “aunque” with subjunctive is “even if.”
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