Learn French: Si la fermentation ratait, la moisissure ne se développerait pas. - If the fermentation failed, the mold would not develop.

Si la fermentation ratait, la moisissure ne se développerait pas.

If the fermentation failed, the mold would not develop.

Breakdown of Si la fermentation ratait, la moisissure ne se développerait pas.

not (used before the verb)

pas

not (used after the verb)

himself, herself, themselves (reflexive)

Questions & Answers about Si la fermentation ratait, la moisissure ne se développerait pas.

Why is ratait in the imperfect tense rather than the conditional?

This sentence uses a classic si clause to express a hypothetical situation. In French, the rule is always si + imperfect tense, followed by the conditional tense in the main clause (développerait). You can never put a conditional verb directly after si.

I learned that rater means 'to miss'. How does it mean 'failed' here?

Rater is a very versatile verb! While it does mean 'to miss' an object or event (like a train or an appointment), it is also widely used to mean 'to fail' or 'to mess up' a test, a recipe, or a process like fermentation. Its opposite in this context is réussir (to succeed).

Why is se développerait reflexive here? Couldn't we just say ne développerait pas?

When something grows, spreads, or develops on its own (like mold, a disease, or a trend), French uses the reflexive se développer. If you used the non-reflexive développer, it would require a direct object, implying that someone is actively developing something (like a scientist developing a cure).

Moisissure is a tricky word. Is there a rule to help remember its gender?