Breakdown of Si nous avions aimé le journalisme, nous écririons pour ce magazine.
nous
we / us (object pronoun)
pour
for
avoir
to have
aimer
to like, to love
ce
this (before a noun)
écrire
to write
si
if
le magazine
the magazine
le journalisme
the journalism
Questions & Answers about Si nous avions aimé le journalisme, nous écririons pour ce magazine.
Why is the sentence using two different tenses for the "if" part and the "result" part?
This is a mixed conditional. The condition is in the past, so it uses the pluperfect (avions aimé - had liked). The result is happening right now, so it uses the present conditional (écririons - would write). It describes how a past situation changes the present reality.
Why is there a le before journalisme when the English translation just says "journalism"?
In French, you must use a definite article (le, la, l', or les) when talking about general concepts, categories, or abstract ideas. Since the sentence refers to journalism as a general field, le is required here.
Is it easy to mix up magazine with another similar French word?
Yes, English speakers often confuse un magazine (a publication, like in this sentence) with un magasin (a shop or store). Pay attention to the z versus the s to keep their meanings straight!
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