Question 1

Why is it fait vérifier instead of just vérifie?

Accepted Answer

The structure faire + an infinitive verb is the French causative construction. It means to have or get something done by someone else. If the sentence were Le comptable vérifie le revenu imposable, it would mean the accountant is checking the income themselves. With fait vérifier, the accountant is having someone else check it.

Question 2

Why does le revenu imposable come after the two verbs? In English we say "has the income checked", putting the noun in the middle.

Accepted Answer

In French, the causative construction (faire + infinitive) is treated almost like a single verbal unit. You cannot separate fait and vérifier with a direct object. Therefore, the object (le revenu imposable) must come after both verbs.

Question 3

In English, we use the past tense "checked" for this structure. Why does French use the infinitive vérifier?

Accepted Answer

When translating "to have something done," English uses a past participle to give it a passive feel. However, the French causative structure always pairs faire with an active infinitive verb, regardless of whether the meaning feels active or passive.

Question 4

How does the word imposable relate to the French word for tax?

Accepted Answer

Imposable means "taxable." It comes from the verb imposer (to tax or to impose), which shares a root with the noun un impôt (a tax). The suffix -able works just like it does in English, indicating that the income is capable of being taxed.

Le comptable fait vérifier le revenu imposable.

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