Question 1

Why is it quand commencer instead of a full clause like quand ils doivent commencer?

Accepted Answer

You can use a question word like quand (when) followed directly by an infinitive verb like commencer (to begin) when the subject of both actions is the same. The players are the ones wondering, and they are also the ones who will begin the combat. It translates perfectly to the English structure "when to begin".

Question 2

Why does the sentence use the reflexive verb se demandent to mean "wonder"?

Accepted Answer

French doesn't have a direct, single-word equivalent for the English verb "to wonder". Instead, you use the reflexive verb se demander, which literally means "to ask oneself". So, les joueurs se demandent translates exactly to "the players ask themselves" or "the players wonder".

Question 3

Do I need a preposition like de or à between quand and commencer?

Accepted Answer

No preposition is needed! While many French verbs require de or à before an infinitive, when you form an indirect question with a question word (quand, où, comment, etc.) and an infinitive, you link them directly. Just like in English, it is simply quand commencer (when to begin).

Question 4

Could I use la bataille instead of le combat here?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but there is a slight difference in scale. Le combat refers to a localized fight or combat, making it very common for smaller encounters like in a video game, a role-playing game, or a single brawl. La bataille usually refers to a larger-scale military battle.

Les joueurs se demandent quand commencer le combat dans la caverne.

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