Question 1

Why does sans compter que use the indicative (il était) here instead of the subjunctive?

Accepted Answer

Even though many phrases ending in que trigger the subjunctive, sans compter que introduces a solid, undeniable fact to strengthen your argument. Because you are stating a reality (the fact that he was late) rather than a doubt, emotion, or possibility, it takes the indicative.

Question 2

How does galant change the meaning of rendez-vous?

Accepted Answer

By itself, a rendez-vous is just a general appointment or a meeting, like with a doctor or a colleague. Adding the adjective galant specifically turns it into a romantic date.

Question 3

Why use the passé composé (a été) here instead of the imparfait (était)?

Accepted Answer

While the imparfait is usually the go-to tense for past descriptions, using the passé composé (a été) here treats the date as one single, completed experience that the speaker is summarizing. It frames the date as a finished event rather than setting a background scene.

Question 4

Is épouvantable stronger than a standard word like mauvais?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Épouvantable (dreadful, horrendous) is a very dramatic adjective derived from épouvante (terror or fright). At this level, using expressive adjectives like this makes your spoken French much more natural and emphatic than relying on basic vocabulary.

Ce rendez-vous galant a été le plus épouvantable, sans compter qu'il était en retard.

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