Why the verb is used in Conditional?
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gerbera v.Kwiziq community member
Why the verb is used in Conditional?
Thanks so much for the great lesson. However, I am now really confused about why the sentence "You wouldn't think she is 90'' is translated into ' On ne lui donnerait pas 90 ans''? Why is the verb in Conditional? Thank you so much.
This question relates to:French lesson "On can mean either we/one/people (French Subject Pronouns)"
Asked 7 years ago
AurélieNative French expert teacher in Kwiziq
Bonjour Gerbera !
Here, the French sentence literally reads as "You wouldn't give her 90 years.", which echoes the notion of doubt contained in "You *wouldn't* think she is 90.".
Both sentences are in the conditional here, to express uncertainty.
I hope that's helpful!
À bientôt !
Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor
Aurelie, many thanks, your explanation is clear.
But I don't understand why the other example used isn't also in the conditional i.e. " people shouldn't speak with their mouths full" : " on ne doit pas parler la bouche pleine". Why isn't the English translation "people mustn't eat with their mouths full"?
AurélieNative French expert teacher in Kwiziq
Bonjour Nigel !
You are absolutely right on this one :)
I've now edited the English to match the French, thanks to you.
Merci et à bientôt !
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