Question 1

Why do we use à moins d' with the infinitive être here instead of à moins que?

Accepted Answer

The structure à moins de + infinitive is used for general rules or when the logical subject is the same. It is simpler than using à moins que, which requires introducing a new subject and using the subjunctive mood (for example, à moins que vous ne soyez expérimenté).

Question 2

The subject of the main clause is Le guide, but the person who is experienced is the tourist. Doesn't à moins de require the same subject for both parts?

Accepted Answer

Generally, yes! When using a preposition followed by an infinitive, the logical subject usually needs to match the subject of the main clause. However, because Le guide est obligatoire acts as a broad, impersonal rule, French allows the infinitive être expérimenté to apply to 'anyone' or 'people in general'.

Question 3

If I am a female tourist reading this, does expérimenté change to expérimentée?

Accepted Answer

Not in this exact sentence. Because this is a general rule applying to the public, the adjective takes the default masculine singular form. However, if the sentence had a specific feminine subject (like Elle doit prendre un guide, à moins d'être expérimentée), the adjective would agree with her.

Question 4

The lesson says à moins de can also be followed by a noun. How would that work here?

Accepted Answer

You would replace the infinitive phrase with a noun that conveys the same idea. For example, you could say Le guide est obligatoire, à moins d'une solide expérience (The guide is mandatory, unless you have solid experience).

Le guide est obligatoire, à moins d'être expérimenté.

Breakdown of Le guide est obligatoire, à moins d'être expérimenté.

Questions & Answers about Le guide est obligatoire, à moins d'être expérimenté.

Learn Le guide est obligatoire, à moins d'être expérimenté and more in French