Question 1

Why use nous allons étudier here instead of the futur simple (nous étudierons)?

Accepted Answer

Nous allons étudier is the futur proche (near future), formed with the verb aller (to go) plus an infinitive. It translates to "we are going to study." It's used here because studying the birth rate is a definite, planned action that is likely happening soon. The futur simple (nous étudierons / "we will study") would sound more like a distant prediction or a promise for the vague future.

Question 2

Why does taux end in an "x" if it is singular?

Accepted Answer

Some French words naturally end in -s, -x, or -z even in their singular form, such as le taux (the rate), le choix (the choice), or le pays (the country). When you make them plural, the spelling doesn't change: les taux means "the rates."

Question 3

Why is it taux de naissance and not taux de la naissance?

Accepted Answer

When a noun modifies another noun to describe its type or purpose, French connects them with a simple de (without le or la). Here, de naissance describes what kind of rate it is (a birth rate), rather than talking about a specific, single birth. You've seen this rule before in phrases like jus de pomme (apple juice).

Question 4

How do I pronounce the word taux?

Accepted Answer

It is pronounced exactly like the French word tôt (early) or the English word "toe." The -aux ending just makes a solid "oh" sound, and the "x" is completely silent.

Nous allons étudier le taux de naissance.

Breakdown of Nous allons étudier le taux de naissance.

Questions & Answers about Nous allons étudier le taux de naissance.

Learn Nous allons étudier le taux de naissance and more in French