Question 1

Why use vont en se développant instead of just saying continuent à se développer?

Accepted Answer

The structure aller + en + present participle focuses on a progressive, ongoing change that usually intensifies over time. While continuer à simply means the action does not stop, using aller adds the specific nuance of a gradual evolution, like saying they are developing more and more.

Question 2

What does the le in le confirme refer to?

Accepted Answer

The pronoun le acts as a neutral direct object meaning 'it'. It refers to the entire situation being discussed (the fact that the bacteria are developing). While in English we can just say 'The cheesemaker confirms', French often requires this pronoun to explicitly refer back to the statement.

Question 3

How do reflexive verbs work with the en ... -ant structure, as seen in en se développant?

Accepted Answer

When you form the gerund of a reflexive verb like se développer, you simply keep the reflexive pronoun and place it directly between en and the present participle. Remember that the pronoun still needs to match the subject, so if the subject were je, it would be en me développant.

Question 4

Does the verb vont imply any physical movement here?

Accepted Answer

No, the verb aller is used here purely as a helper verb to show the continuous progression of the action. It is completely disconnected from physical movement, functioning a bit like 'keep on' or 'go on' in English to show a trend.

Le fromager le confirme, les bactéries vont en se développant.

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