Understanding could have, should have, had had to leave

Diane d.C1Kwiziq community member

Hi,

In the quiz, there were 4 choices given. I think I can translate them all, except one is puzzling me.

Paul aurait dû partir plus tôt. MEANS Paul should have left earlier

Paul aurait pu partir plus tôt MEANS Paul could have left earlier

Paul devrait partir plus tôt MEANS Paul should leave earlier.

If those are right, then that leave this one: What's the right translation for "'Paul had had to leave earlier?"

Asked 4 years ago

CécileNative French expert teacher in KwiziqCorrect answer

Hi Diane,

You are correct in the three translations above.

Paul had had to leave earlier = Paul avait dû partir plus tôt

which is the pluperfect and not a conditional.

But well done!

Like34 years ago

Hi,

In the quiz, there were 4 choices given. I think I can translate them all, except one is puzzling me.

Paul aurait dû partir plus tôt. MEANS Paul should have left earlier

Paul aurait pu partir plus tôt MEANS Paul could have left earlier

Paul devrait partir plus tôt MEANS Paul should leave earlier.

If those are right, then that leave this one: What's the right translation for "'Paul had had to leave earlier?"

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