Question 1

Do you pronounce the 't' at the end of en fait?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you do! In the expression en fait (meaning "in fact" or "actually"), the final 't' is almost always pronounced. This is an exception to the general French rule of dropping final consonants, and it helps clearly distinguish the phrase in spoken French.

Question 2

What is the difference between en fait and en effet?

Accepted Answer

En fait means "in fact" or "actually," and it is often used to clarify or contradict expectations—just like pointing out that an endless-looking street is actually a dead end. On the other hand, en effet means "indeed" or "that's right," and is used to confirm something that was just said.

Question 3

I thought an "impasse" was a figurative stalemate. Does it just mean "dead end" in French?

Accepted Answer

It means both! In English, we mostly use "impasse" figuratively for a situation where no progress is possible. French uses it that way too, but it is also the literal, everyday word for a physical "dead end" street (you will often see it printed on street signs).

Question 4

Since it is a dead end, how would I add "It goes nowhere" to practice this lesson's negative adverb?

Accepted Answer

To say "It goes nowhere" using the verb aller, you would say Elle ne va nulle part. Just like with ne... pas, the ne and nulle part wrap around the conjugated verb. Nulle part literally translates to "no part" or "nowhere."

Cette rue interminable est en fait une impasse.

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