Question 1

Why do we use the indicative (est) here instead of the subjunctive, since this expresses a concession?

Accepted Answer

While many concession phrases (like bien que or quoique) require the subjunctive, the structure tout + [adjective] + que takes the indicative. This is because it presents the adjective as an undeniable reality: the model is indeed faulty, but despite that established fact, it remains attractive.

Question 2

Is there an English phrasing that mirrors the French structure Tout défaillant qu'il est more closely?

Accepted Answer

Yes, translating it as "Faulty as it is" captures the mechanics of the French phrasing perfectly. The word tout acts as an adverbial intensifier here, emphasizing the total state of the adjective.

Question 3

If the subject were feminine, like cette méthode, would the word tout change to match it?

Accepted Answer

Yes, it would become toute. Because tout is an adverb here, it would normally be invariable. However, it follows the quirky French rule for the adverb tout: it must agree in gender and number when placed before a feminine adjective that starts with a consonant. You would write: Toute défaillante qu'elle est, cette méthode...

Question 4

Can séduisant really be used to describe a model? It looks like "seductive."

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! In French, séduisant is used much more broadly than the English word "seductive." When applied to inanimate things like concepts, prices, or a modèle, it simply means "attractive," "appealing," or "tempting."

Tout défaillant qu'il est, ce modèle reste séduisant.

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