Breakdown of L'application demande de débrancher le chargeur.
de
of / from / any (in negative sentences) / about (concerning)
le chargeur
the charger
demander
to ask (for) / to require / demand
débrancher
to unplug
l'application
the application (f)
Questions & Answers about L'application demande de débrancher le chargeur.
Why is there a de before débrancher?
In French, many verbs require a specific preposition before an infinitive. The verb demander takes the preposition de when followed by an action, forming demander de faire quelque chose (to ask to do something). This is very similar to how your current lesson uses avant de before an infinitive!
Could I say demande à débrancher instead?
No, the preposition is strictly determined by the verb that comes before it. While some verbs take à (like apprendre à), demander specifically requires de when it is followed by an infinitive verb.
How does the word débrancher relate to the English word 'unplug'?
Would this sentence change if the app was asking me specifically to unplug the charger?
Yes! If the application is asking you specifically, you would add an indirect object pronoun before the main verb: L'application me demande de débrancher le chargeur (The application asks me to unplug the charger). The complete grammatical structure is demander à quelqu'un de faire quelque chose.
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