Question 1

Does d'autant plus que require the subjunctive?

Accepted Answer

No, it is followed by the indicative. Even though it ends with que, it introduces a factual reason rather than expressing an emotion, doubt, or subjective opinion. Because the stamp being intact is a fact, the verb is in the present indicative: est.

Question 2

What nuance does d'autant plus que add here instead of just using parce que?

Accepted Answer

It translates to "all the more since" or "especially because." While parce que just gives a standard reason, d'autant plus que emphasizes that the second fact (it being intact) intensifies the first part of the sentence (the collector's appreciation).

Question 3

In qu'il est intact, does il refer to the collector or the stamp?

Accepted Answer

Grammatically, il could refer to either le collectionneur or le timbre, because both are masculine singular nouns. However, common sense and context tell us it refers to the stamp, since being intact (undamaged) is a highly valued quality for collectibles.

Question 4

Is apprécie a direct equivalent of the English "appreciates" here?

Accepted Answer

Yes, in this context it means to recognize the value or quality of something. However, keep in mind that apprécier is used much more frequently in French than "appreciate" is in English, often simply meaning "to like" or "to enjoy" (for example, enjoying a meal or someone's company).

Le collectionneur apprécie la rareté du timbre, d'autant plus qu'il est intact.

Breakdown of Le collectionneur apprécie la rareté du timbre, d'autant plus qu'il est intact.

Questions & Answers about Le collectionneur apprécie la rareté du timbre, d'autant plus qu'il est intact.

Learn Le collectionneur apprécie la rareté du timbre, d'autant plus qu'il est intact and more in French