Questions & Answers about Il a accepté, toutefois sans grand plaisir.
How does toutefois fit into this sentence compared to just using mais?
While mais (but) is a general contrast word, toutefois (however or nevertheless) is a more formal concession connector. In structured arguments, it acts like a highlighter, specifically pointing out a restriction or a mitigating detail to what was just admitted (Il a accepté). Is it common to use toutefois to connect a short phrase rather than a full sentence?
Yes! Although toutefois often starts a new sentence to contrast with the previous one, you can use it after a comma to attach a shorter modifying phrase. This makes the sentence flow better than writing a longer clause like mais il l'a fait sans grand plaisir. Why is there no article (like un) before grand plaisir?
The preposition sans (without) typically drops the article when followed by an abstract or uncountable noun. Just like you would say sans doute (without a doubt) or sans problème (without a problem), you say sans grand plaisir, even with the adjective added in. Why does grand translate to "much" instead of "big" here?
When placed before abstract nouns like plaisir (pleasure), intérêt (interest), or peine (sorrow), the adjective grand indicates a high degree or intensity rather than physical size. In English, this usually translates most naturally to "great" or "much". Learn Il a accepté, toutefois sans grand plaisir and more in French
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