Question 1

How does this sentence relate to avoiding the subjunctive?

Accepted Answer

French strongly prefers using an infinitive (like de partir) whenever possible to avoid clunky sentences. When making a general statement like this where the subject leaving isn't specifically stated, using de plus the infinitive is the most natural choice. It saves you from having to build a complex phrase like le meilleur moyen pour qu'on parte, which would require a subordinate clause and the subjunctive mood.

Question 2

Why do we use de partir here instead of pour partir?

Accepted Answer

Because English uses "way to leave" or "way for leaving," it is very tempting for learners to use pour. However, the French noun moyen (meaning way or means) is always followed by the preposition de when it links to an infinitive verb.

Question 3

Why is it le meilleur and not le mieux?

Accepted Answer

Meilleur is the superlative form of the adjective bon (good), meaning it is used to describe a noun. In this sentence, it describes the noun moyen (way). You would use mieux (better/best) to describe an action, since it is the adverb form connected to bien (well).

Question 4

Why use partir here instead of quitter or sortir?

Accepted Answer

Partir is the correct verb for "to leave" in the sense of departing or setting off on a trip, which perfectly fits the context of taking a train. Quitter requires a direct object (you have to state exactly what or who you are leaving, like quitter la maison), and sortir means to physically exit or step outside of an enclosed space.

Le train est le meilleur moyen de partir.

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