The Low Countries

Question

Hello, I answered a questions that asked what the "Low Countries" were as "Les Pays-bas" which I learned in my French class, were the combination of The Netherlands, Luxembourg and Belgium. But the correct answer was The Netherlands event though the verb was "ont" and not "a" and the Netherlands is a single country. Could you tell me what the actual Low Countries would be in French?

Alan Graham · Accepted Answer

I don't think it's the same as English. Generally we use a singular verb with countries like the Netherlands or the United States, but I suppose we'd use a plural verb with the Low Countries.
I believe in French you would use "Les Pays-Bas" for both the Netherlands and the Low Countries, and always with a plural verb.

Chris Wirt · Answer

Hi Joanna, it's the same as in Englich: The Netherlands is formally plural even though it refers to a single country.

Joanne Hoersch · Answer

Thank you! That makes sense.