Question 1

Why use enfin here instead of a word like finalement?

Accepted Answer

In French, enfin is the standard sequential connector used to introduce the last step in a series of actions, meaning 'lastly' or 'finally.' The word finalement is also translated as 'finally,' but it is typically used to mean 'in the end' or 'eventually,' often implying a surprising outcome or a change of mind.

Question 2

Why is there an accent in enlève when the infinitive is enlever?

Accepted Answer

Enlever (to remove) is a stem-changing verb. For the pronouns je, tu, il/elle/on, and ils/elles, the unaccented e changes to è so the syllable can be stressed when spoken. For nous and vous, it stays as a normal e, as in nous enlevons.

Question 3

Why is it du mur and not just de le mur?

Accepted Answer

When saying 'from the wall,' we need the preposition de (from) and the definite article le (the) because mur is a masculine noun. In French, de and le must always contract to form the single word du. It is grammatically incorrect to say de le.

Question 4

Is clous an irregular plural because it ends in -ou?

Accepted Answer

Actually, clous follows the normal rule! Most French nouns ending in -ou simply take an -s in the plural, so un clou becomes les clous. There are seven famous exceptions that take an -x instead (like bijoux for jewelry or choux for cabbages), but clou is not one of them.

Enfin, il enlève les clous du mur.

Breakdown of Enfin, il enlève les clous du mur.

Questions & Answers about Enfin, il enlève les clous du mur.

Learn Enfin, il enlève les clous du mur and more in French