Question 1

Why is the verb projette in the singular when "more than one cinema" logically means multiple cinemas?

Accepted Answer

This is a classic French agreement paradox! Even though the meaning of plus d'un (more than one) is plural, French grammar strictly aligns with the singular word un. Because of this, both the noun (cinéma) and the verb (projette) must be conjugated in the singular.

Question 2

What if the sentence said "less than two cinemas" (moins de deux cinémas)? Would the verb still be singular?

Accepted Answer

No, it would be plural. The phrase moins de deux (less than two) centers around the number deux, so it requires a plural verb: moins de deux cinémas projettent ce film. It operates as the exact opposite of the plus d'un paradox.

Question 3

Why doesn't même si trigger the subjunctive mood in the second clause?

Accepted Answer

Unlike synonymous conjunctions like bien que or quoique (which require the subjunctive), même si (even if / even though) is always followed by the indicative mood. That is why the sentence correctly uses c'est rather than the subjunctive ce soit.

Question 4

Could we use il est instead of c'est to say "it is a failure"?

Accepted Answer

No, you must use c'est here. In French, when "it is" introduces a noun modified by an article or possessive (like the article un in un échec), you use c'est. You generally only use il est or elle est before a standalone adjective or an unmodified profession.

Plus d'un cinéma projette ce film, même si c'est un échec.

Breakdown of Plus d'un cinéma projette ce film, même si c'est un échec.

Questions & Answers about Plus d'un cinéma projette ce film, même si c'est un échec.

Learn Plus d'un cinéma projette ce film, même si c'est un échec and more in French