Question 1

Why does this sentence use de grands mystères instead of des grands mystères?

Accepted Answer

This happens because of a specific French rule: when a plural adjective (like grands) comes before a plural noun (like mystères), the plural indefinite article des changes to de.

Question 2

Would it be wrong to say des grands mystères?

Accepted Answer

In strict, grammatically correct written French, yes. However, in casual spoken French, you will often hear native speakers say des grands mystères. As a B1 learner, you should practice writing de, but do not be surprised if you hear des in everyday conversation!

Question 3

What if the adjective was one that goes after the noun, like fascinants (fascinating)?

Accepted Answer

If the adjective goes after the noun, you keep the normal plural article des. You would say des mystères fascinants. The change to de is only triggered when the adjective steps in front of the noun.

Question 4

Why is the adjective grands placed before the noun here?

Accepted Answer

Most French adjectives go after the noun, but grand is part of the BAGS group of adjectives (Beauty, Age, Goodness, Size) that almost always go before the noun. Here, grand relates to size or magnitude.

Question 5

Does de translate to 'of' in this sentence?

Accepted Answer

Not here! While de often means 'of' or 'from', in this sentence it is just acting as the plural indefinite article (meaning 'some'). In English, we usually drop the word 'some' and just say 'great mysteries', but French still requires an article.

L'astrologie explique de grands mystères.

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