I do not understand as well why the last paragraph is in the future tense when the actions like receiving the award in 1998 which is in the past.

catherine l.A1Kwiziq community member

I do not understand as well why the last paragraph is in the future tense when the actions like receiving the award in 1998 which is in the past.

Asked 1 year ago
Chris W.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor Correct answer

When relating some action in the past, French narrators often root themselves in the past and tell the story from this point of view. This means that events in the past are related in present tense, and events that happened in the future (when viewed from the past) are in the future tense. This particular usage of the present and past tenses is called "historical present" and "historical future".

catherine l. asked:

I do not understand as well why the last paragraph is in the future tense when the actions like receiving the award in 1998 which is in the past.

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...