Log inSign up

J'entends un grincement dans la pénombre sans voir quoi que ce soit.

J'entends un grincement dans la pénombre sans voir quoi que ce soit.
I hear a creak in the gloom without seeing anything at all.
From Lesson 444:Absolute indefinite phrases (qui que ce soit)·French

Questions & Answers about J'entends un grincement dans la pénombre sans voir quoi que ce soit.

Why use quoi que ce soit here instead of rien?
You could absolutely say sans rien voir to mean 'without seeing anything.' However, quoi que ce soit is an absolute indefinite phrase that adds strong emphasis. It translates closer to 'without seeing anything at all' or 'anything whatsoever.'
How does the word order change if I use rien instead of quoi que ce soit?
Rien is typically placed directly after the preposition and before the infinitive verb, making it sans rien voir. Because quoi que ce soit is a longer phrase, it acts like a standard direct object noun and is placed after the infinitive verb (sans voir quoi que ce soit).
Why is the verb être conjugated in the subjunctive (soit) in this expression?
The expression quoi que ce soit literally means 'whatever it may be.' In French, the phrase quoi que (two words, meaning 'whatever' or 'no matter what') expresses an indefinite, uncertain reality, which automatically requires the subjunctive mood.
Could I use l'ombre instead of la pénombre here?
They are similar but have distinct nuances. L'ombre refers to a specific 'shadow' or an area of 'shade' cast by an object. La pénombre refers to 'half-light,' 'gloom,' or 'dimness' — a general atmosphere of partial darkness.

Learn J'entends un grincement dans la pénombre sans voir quoi que ce soit and more in French

All course content and exercises are completely free — no paywalls, no trial periods, no signup needed.

  • ✓ Practice with interactive exercises
  • ✓ Track your progress with spaced repetition
  • ✓Learn at your own pace — completely free
Start learning French →