French language Q&A Forum

It seems that with some adverbs formed by adding -ment to the feminine adjective form the "middle e" is pronounced and others not (example: lentement (not pronounce) and fortement (pronounced). Am I hearing this correctly? If so, is there a rule when to pronounce and when not to?

Thanks!

The phrase 'Don’t let it get you down' is generally translated into French as 'Ne te laisse pas abattre'. But, literally, the phrase appears to mean 'Don't let yourself cut down'. Wouldn't better ways to say it in French be 'Ne le laisse pas t'abattre' or 'Ne te laisse pas être abattu'?

Are there any other phrases like this, where the active voice is translated as passive?

[And why is my question suddenly centre justified?]

Why does one use allons gagner instead of gagnerons (future tense)?  What determines which is better?

Could someone comment on the function of “au” in “très au sérieux”? It is optional? In which other circumstances might we see a similar thing?