Question 1

Why does quand même go right after the verb instead of at the end of the sentence?

Accepted Answer

In French, short adverbs and adverbial phrases like quand même usually go immediately after the conjugated verb (continue). While English puts 'anyway' at the end of the sentence, placing it at the end in French (je continue ce rang quand même) sounds less natural to native speakers.

Question 2

Could I use tout de même in this sentence instead?

Accepted Answer

Yes, quand même and tout de même are fully interchangeable when expressing concession (meaning 'anyway' or 'all the same'). Je continue tout de même ce rang means exactly the same thing, though tout de même can sound slightly more formal or literary.

Question 3

Is it repetitive to use both mais and quand même?

Accepted Answer

Not at all! Just like in English ('but... anyway'), combining mais (but) and quand même (anyway) is perfectly natural. Mais connects the two phrases, while quand même emphasizes that the action is happening despite the setback.

Question 4

What specific activity is this sentence talking about with une maille and ce rang?

Accepted Answer

This is knitting or crocheting vocabulary. Une maille translates to 'a stitch,' and un rang is 'a row' of those stitches. You will also encounter un rang in other everyday contexts, like a row of seats in a theater or a classroom.

J'ai perdu une maille, mais je continue quand même ce rang.

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