Learn French: La plupart des maisons sont si lugubres dans la brume que l'endroit est angoissant. - Most of the houses are so gloomy in the mist that the place is frightening.

La plupart des maisons sont si lugubres dans la brume que l'endroit est angoissant.

Most of the houses are so gloomy in the mist that the place is frightening.

Breakdown of La plupart des maisons sont si lugubres dans la brume que l'endroit est angoissant.

that (introducing a clause)

Questions & Answers about La plupart des maisons sont si lugubres dans la brume que l'endroit est angoissant.

Why is the verb plural (sont) when the subject phrase starts with the singular word La plupart?

With la plupart, the verb always agrees with the noun that follows it. Since it is followed by the plural des maisons, the verb must be plural (sont). If it were followed by a singular uncountable noun, like in la plupart du temps (most of the time), the verb would be singular.

How does the si ... que structure work in this sentence?

This is the si + [adjective or adverb] + que construction, which translates to "so [adjective] that". It is used to express an intense cause and its consequence. Here, the houses are so gloomy (si lugubres) that (que) it results in the place being frightening.

What is the difference between la brume and le brouillard?

La brume translates to "mist" (which is lighter and easier to see through), whereas le brouillard means "fog" (which is thicker, heavier, and severely limits visibility). Both work to create a creepy atmosphere, but brume implies a lighter haze.

Why does the word angoissant end in -ant?