2 questions: 1)use of the verb Rester 2) Subjunctive of Finir?

mary n.C1Kwiziq community member

2 questions: 1)use of the verb Rester 2) Subjunctive of Finir?

Please can you explain why 'Rester" is used in this answer to a test question rather than simply using the future of to sit and, secondly why not 'il finisse' after jusqu'à ce que?

How would you say "Ben will sit at that desk until after he's finished his homework." ?Ben restera assis à ce bureau jusqu'à ce qu'il ait fini ses devoirs.

(I did post this earlier in the week but have not had a response. many thanks)

Asked 3 years ago
Alan G.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor Correct answer

I think the point is that s'asseoir literally means to sit down, so using it in the future tense would imply that he is going to repeatedly sit down. There isn't a French verb that just means "to sit".

Jim J.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor

Hi Mary,

It's simply a matter of expressing that "Ben is required to remain seated" as opposed to "will sit" until the following action has happened.

Jim

Jim J.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor

Asseoir  --> to sit, to establish.

S'asseoir --> to sit down

mary n.C1Kwiziq community member

Thank you for your responses on "asseoir". Really interesting and I never knew, but now it's obvious of course! 

2 questions: 1)use of the verb Rester 2) Subjunctive of Finir?

Please can you explain why 'Rester" is used in this answer to a test question rather than simply using the future of to sit and, secondly why not 'il finisse' after jusqu'à ce que?

How would you say "Ben will sit at that desk until after he's finished his homework." ?Ben restera assis à ce bureau jusqu'à ce qu'il ait fini ses devoirs.

(I did post this earlier in the week but have not had a response. many thanks)

Sign in to submit your answer

Don't have an account yet? Join today

Ask a question

Find your French level for FREE

Test your French to the CEFR standard

Find your French level
Thinking...