Breakdown of Nous allons éviter la rupture de stock, à moins que l'approvisionnement ne soit en retard.
être
to be
nous
we / us (object pronoun)
ne
not (used before the verb)
de
of / from / any (in negative sentences) / about (concerning)
aller
to go
en retard
late, delayed
éviter
to avoid
le stock
the stock
à moins que
unless
l'approvisionnement
the supply (m)
la rupture
the breach
Questions & Answers about Nous allons éviter la rupture de stock, à moins que l'approvisionnement ne soit en retard.
Why is soit in the subjunctive here?
The conjunction à moins que (unless) expresses a condition or restriction that introduces doubt or uncertainty. In French, this always triggers the subjunctive mood for the following verb. That is why we use soit (the subjunctive of être) instead of the indicative est.
Why is there a ne before soit? Doesn't that make it negative?
This is known as the 'ne explétif', and it doesn't actually make the sentence negative! It is a formal stylistic choice often used after certain conjunctions like à moins que and avant que, or after expressions of fear. It simply highlights the negative meaning already implied by the word 'unless'. In everyday spoken French, you will often hear this sentence without the ne, but you are expected to recognize and use it in formal writing.
How does rupture de stock translate exactly? Could I just say manque de stock?
Une rupture de stock is the standard, fixed expression in business and retail for a 'stock shortage' or being 'out of stock'. While un manque de means 'a lack of', using rupture (literally a 'break' or 'rupture') is the natural way to say the supply chain has been interrupted or depleted. If a specific item is sold out, you say it is en rupture de stock.
Learn Nous allons éviter la rupture de stock, à moins que l'approvisionnement ne soit en retard and more in French
All course content and exercises are completely free — no paywalls, no trial periods, no signup needed.
- ✓ Practice with interactive exercises
- ✓ Track your progress with spaced repetition
- ✓Learn at your own pace — completely free