Learn French: Ceci est la présélection des projets, dont nous allons écarter la moitié. - This is the shortlist of the projects, half of which we are going to discard.

Ceci est la présélection des projets, dont nous allons écarter la moitié.

This is the shortlist of the projects, half of which we are going to discard.

Breakdown of Ceci est la présélection des projets, dont nous allons écarter la moitié.

être

to be

nous

we / us (object pronoun)

of / from / any (in negative sentences) / about (concerning)

le projet

the project

Questions & Answers about Ceci est la présélection des projets, dont nous allons écarter la moitié.

Why does dont come before the verb instead of right next to la moitié like the English 'half of which'?

English keeps the subset together ('half of which') at the start of the clause. French requires the relative pronoun dont to go at the very beginning of the relative clause, followed by the subject (nous) and verb (allons écarter). The fraction or quantity (la moitié) acts as the direct object and must go after the verb.

Since 'of which' often translates to desquels, could we say desquels nous allons écarter la moitié?

No, it sounds unnatural here. For indicating a subset or fraction of a larger group (like la moitié, beaucoup, or plusieurs), French strongly prefers dont. You generally only use desquels (and its variations) when the 'of which' depends on a preposition, like à côté desquels (next to which).

Is there a reason it says Ceci est instead of just C'est?

Yes! While C'est is the standard, everyday way to say 'This is', Ceci est is used in formal, administrative, or demonstrative situations. Here, it sounds like an official announcement or someone physically pointing to a document containing the shortlist.

How does écarter mean 'to discard'? I thought it meant 'to move apart' or 'to spread'.