Breakdown of C'est une précaution utile à moins que le client ne change d'avis.
être
to be
un
a / an (masculine)
ce
it / this (with être)
de
of / from / any (in negative sentences) / about (concerning)
le client
the client / the customer
changer
to change
le
him, it (masculine direct object pronoun)
utile
useful
l'avis (m)
the review (m) / the opinion
à moins que
unless
ne
expletive 'ne' (no negative meaning)
la précaution
the precaution
Questions & Answers about C'est une précaution utile à moins que le client ne change d'avis.
Why is there a ne before change? Does it make the sentence negative?
No, it doesn't make the sentence negative. This is the ne explétif (expletive ne). It is a formal, optional word often used after certain conjunctions like à moins que (unless), avant que (before), and de peur que (for fear that). It is simply a stylistic choice and doesn't translate to anything in English.
Why is the verb change in the subjunctive mood here?
The conjunction à moins que (unless) expresses a condition or restriction that introduces doubt or uncertainty. Because of this, it is always followed by the subjunctive mood. In this case, change is the present subjunctive of changer.
Why do we say change d'avis instead of using a possessive adjective like son avis?
To express "changing one's mind", French uses the fixed expression changer d'avis (literally "to change of opinion"). You don't use a possessive adjective like son or mon here; the preposition de combined with the bare noun avis is all you need.
Could we say Il est une précaution utile instead of C'est?
Learn C'est une précaution utile à moins que le client ne change d'avis 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