Question 1

Why is avons in the indicative and not the subjunctive after de sorte que?

Accepted Answer

De sorte que can take either the indicative or the subjunctive, depending on the meaning. When it describes a result or consequence that is actually happening (as in this sentence: the flight is late, and as a result, we have time), it takes the indicative. If it were describing a goal or purpose, meaning 'in order that', it would take the subjunctive.

Question 2

Could I use pour que instead of de sorte que here?

Accepted Answer

Not without changing the meaning. Pour que strictly means 'in order that' and always requires the subjunctive. Since the flight's delay is just a fact that gives us time as a result—not a deliberate action done in order to give us time—de sorte que is the correct choice to show consequence.

Question 3

Why is it en retard instead of just tard?

Accepted Answer

Use en retard for people, vehicles, or scheduled events that are running behind their expected time. Use tard when talking about the time of day itself being late, such as Il est tard (It is late).

Question 4

Why does the French use the definite article le in nous avons le temps when the English just says 'we have time'?

Accepted Answer

In French, abstract general nouns usually require a definite article. The fixed expression for 'to have time' is avoir le temps. If you said avoir du temps, it would mean 'to have some amount of free time' rather than having the specific time needed before the flight.

Le vol est en retard, de sorte que nous avons le temps.

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