in the test, the example was 'When she wins, she will be happy.' i used the Future Perfect quand elle aura gagné, , Why is this wrong? Winning first!

Rosemary P.C1Kwiziq community member

in the test, the example was 'When she wins, she will be happy.' i used the Future Perfect quand elle aura gagné, , Why is this wrong? Winning first!

Asked 6 years ago
AurélieNative French expert teacher in KwiziqCorrect answer

Bonjour Rosemary !

I understand your reasoning, and it makes sense, however, there is a nuance there in both English and French:

- When she wins, she will be happy.   -> both actions are seen as simultaneous here

Quand elle gagnera, elle sera heureuse.

- When she's won, she'll be happy.   -> here the action of winning precedes the happiness

Quand elle aura gagné, elle sera heureuse.

I hope that's helpful!
Bonne journée !

Katie C.C1Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor
That"s great. I don't need a reply to my question, since it's the same as Rosemary's. Thanks.
Marlin P.C1Kwiziq community member

I still think the Future Perfect should be acceptable. Based on this site's own example here: 

"Lorsqu'elle sera arrivée chez nous, la fête commencera.

When she arrives at our place, the party will start."Notice the English present corresponding with the French future perfect. It's the same argument: the actions are  not technically simultaneous, the second action begins immediately after the first is completed.

in the test, the example was 'When she wins, she will be happy.' i used the Future Perfect quand elle aura gagné, , Why is this wrong? Winning first!

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