Question 1

Why do we use the imparfait (était) after comme si when the main action (a caché) is in the past?

Accepted Answer

When using comme si (as if) to describe an unreal or hypothetical situation that happens at the same time as the main event, you always use the imparfait. This rule applies regardless of whether the main clause is in the present, past, or future. We never use the conditional directly after comme si.

Question 2

Could we use the plus-que-parfait here and say comme si elle avait été timide?

Accepted Answer

Grammatically yes, but it would change the meaning. The plus-que-parfait after comme si expresses a hypothetical action that happened before the main event (meaning: as if she had been shy earlier). Since her acting shy happens at the exact moment she hides her face, we use the imparfait.

Question 3

Is éventail the standard word for any kind of fan?

Accepted Answer

No, an éventail specifically refers to a handheld folding fan, often used as a fashion accessory or to cool your face. An electric or ceiling fan is called a ventilateur.

Question 4

Why does the sentence say son visage (her face) instead of using the definite article like it does for l'éventail?

Accepted Answer

Normally, French prefers a reflexive verb and a definite article for actions done to one's own body (like elle s'est caché le visage). However, because this sentence uses the non-reflexive a caché, the possessive son is required to specify whose face it is. Meanwhile, l'éventail simply uses the definite article because it acts as a generic prop in her hand.

Elle a caché son visage avec l'éventail comme si elle était timide.

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