Question 1

Since sous prétexte que often introduces a fake or doubtful reason, does it require the subjunctive?

Accepted Answer

No, it takes the indicative! Even though the reason might just be an excuse, the state being claimed (here, elle est antique) is presented as a stated fact by the person making the excuse. So, we use the standard present tense est, not the subjunctive soit.

Question 2

I thought devise meant 'motto' or 'slogan.' Why does it translate to 'currency' here?

Accepted Answer

Devise is a false friend that can mean both! However, context is key. Since this item is described as being made of bronze (en bronze) and is considered antique, it makes much more sense as a physical piece of foreign or ancient currency (like a coin) rather than a motto.

Question 3

Could we use ancienne instead of antique at the end of this sentence?

Accepted Answer

You could, but it changes the meaning slightly. Ancienne generally just means 'old' (when placed after the noun) or 'former' (when placed before). Antique specifically suggests something from Antiquity (like ancient Greece or Rome) or an artifact with high historical value.

Question 4

How do we know the second elle in qu'elle est antique refers to the currency and not the woman?

Accepted Answer

Grammatically, elle could refer to either the subject (Elle garde...) or the object (cette devise), since both are feminine nouns. However, common sense tells us the woman is unlikely to be described as 'antique' in this context. Just like in English, pronoun references in French often rely heavily on logical context.

Elle garde cette devise en bronze sous prétexte qu'elle est antique.

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