Incorrectly written quiz question

Larry G.A0Kwiziq community member

Incorrectly written quiz question

A2 question « The family are totally unbearable.

La famille est

Les familles sont

La famille sont

Les familles est

The question is incorrect in English,hence it prompts an incorrect answer in French. I suggest that the English version be written correctly (singular) so that the student is not misled.

Asked 4 months ago
Maarten K.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor Correct answer

Larry, 

there are regional differences in English usage. Use of the plural verb in English following family is not incorrect in British English depending on context, although apparently unlikely to be used at all in American English.

The point remains however that ‘ la famille ‘ in French is always followed by the singular verb.

 Some plural English nouns are singular in French and vice versa

 

 https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/eb/qa/Family-Singular-or-Plural-collective-nouns-usage-grammar#:~:text=In%20American%20English%2C%20%22family%22,as%20a%20group%20of%20individuals.

Jim J.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor

Bonjour Larry,

There is no link to the question you refer to, so it's impossible to assess if it is valid.

It is unwise to expect to map over directly from English to Fench - it does work sometimes but not always.

If you could repost with the link, the query point can be dealt with more effectively.

Bonne continuation

Jim

Larry G. asked:

Incorrectly written quiz question

A2 question « The family are totally unbearable.

La famille est

Les familles sont

La famille sont

Les familles est

The question is incorrect in English,hence it prompts an incorrect answer in French. I suggest that the English version be written correctly (singular) so that the student is not misled.

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