Question 1

Why doesn't this sentence use the subjunctive, since that's what we are currently learning?

Accepted Answer

This sentence states a fact about a specific, real place that was already found and visited, so there is no uncertainty. If you were still looking for such a place, you would use a relative clause with the subjunctive: Nous cherchons un appartement qui soit atypique.

Question 2

Is venir de just a literal translation of 'to come from'?

Accepted Answer

While it can mean that physically, using venir de plus an infinitive like visiter is the standard French structure for the recent past. It translates to 'have just done' something, making Nous venons de visiter mean 'We just visited.'

Question 3

I always mix up pourtant. Does it mean 'therefore'?

Accepted Answer

No, pourtant is a common false friend. It means 'yet,' 'however,' or 'even so.' Here it introduces the unexpected contrast that an unusual apartment is surprisingly cheap. If you wanted to say 'therefore,' you would use donc.

Question 4

Could I say c'est abordable instead of il est abordable?

Accepted Answer

Not in this exact structure. Because you are referring directly back to a specific noun (un appartement) and following it only with an adjective (abordable), you must use il est. You would use c'est if you followed it with a noun phrase, such as c'est un appartement abordable.

Nous venons de visiter un appartement atypique, pourtant il est abordable.

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