Question 1

How can we rewrite the first part of this sentence to use the sentence-initial 'Que' structure from this lesson?

Accepted Answer

You can replace the noun L'adoption with a subject clause: Qu'ils adoptent un chat errant est difficile (That they adopt a stray cat is difficult). Remember that when a sentence begins with Que to form a subject clause, the verb inside that clause must be in the subjunctive.

Question 2

What is the nuance of using pourtant instead of cependant here?

Accepted Answer

Both translate to 'yet' or 'however', but pourtant highlights a strong, unexpected contradiction (the adoption is difficult, but despite that obvious hurdle, they still want to do it). Cependant is slightly more formal and acts as a more neutral 'however'.

Question 3

Is errant the exact equivalent of the English word 'stray'?

Accepted Answer

It translates to 'stray' when talking about domestic animals, but its literal meaning is 'wandering' or 'roaming', coming from the verb errer. For example, you can also use it to describe people or mythological concepts, like des âmes errantes (wandering souls).

Question 4

Why is there no preposition like à or de between veulent and adopter?

Accepted Answer

Verbs expressing will, desire, or ability—such as vouloir, pouvoir, and devoir—are followed directly by an infinitive. You never place a preposition between vouloir and the action verb that follows it.

L'adoption est difficile, pourtant ils veulent adopter un chat errant.

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