Question 1

Why is the subjunctive used in the second half of this sentence?

Accepted Answer

We use the subjunctive after expressions of emotion or feeling. Here, nous sommes contents que (we are happy that) expresses an emotion, so the verb that follows it (finissent) must be in the subjunctive mood.

Question 2

Wait, ils finissent looks exactly like the normal present tense. Is it really the subjunctive?

Accepted Answer

You are right to notice that! For regular -ir verbs like finir, the ils and elles forms are spelled and pronounced exactly the same in both the present indicative (the normal present tense) and the present subjunctive. We know it is the subjunctive here solely because it follows the trigger phrase contents que.

Question 3

Could I use en un mois instead of dans un mois here?

Accepted Answer

No, they mean different things. Dans un mois points to a specific time in the future, meaning the action will happen one month from now. En un mois is used to express duration, meaning the action takes one month to complete. Since they are going to start developing the zone a month from now, dans is the correct choice.

Question 4

Is aménager related to the verb déménager (to move house)?

Accepted Answer

They look similar but are used differently. Déménager means to move out of a residence, while aménager means to develop, arrange, or fit out a physical space (like an urban zone, a garden, or a room). Another helpful related word is emménager, which means to move into a new place.

Ils vont aménager la zone dans un mois, et nous sommes contents qu'ils finissent ce projet.

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