Question 1

Since this lesson is about invariable adjectives used as adverbs (like travailler dur), why do we use the regular adverb simplement here instead of just simple?

Accepted Answer

Using an adjective as an adverb without changing its form only happens in specific, fixed expressions (like coûter cher, parler fort, or sentir bon). Vivre simple is not a standard fixed phrase in French, so you must use the regular adverb form simplement to mean 'simply'.

Question 2

Why is the word order sans rien demander instead of sans demander rien?

Accepted Answer

When modifying an infinitive verb (like demander), the negative pronoun rien is placed before the infinitive. This is a classic word order rule that also applies to similar phrases like sans rien dire (without saying anything) or sans rien faire (without doing anything).

Question 3

The English translation says 'asking for', so why isn't there a word for 'for' in the French sentence?

Accepted Answer

The French verb demander is a direct transitive verb, meaning it attaches directly to its object without needing a preposition. It inherently means 'to ask for' something. Adding a word like pour here would be a common English-speaker mistake.

Question 4

Why does the sentence use the infinitive demander rather than a present participle like demandant to match 'asking'?

Accepted Answer

In French, almost all prepositions (including sans, pour, avant, and de) must be followed by an infinitive, never a present participle. Therefore, 'without asking' translates to sans plus the infinitive demander. The only preposition that takes a present participle in French is en.

Il vit simplement, sans rien demander.

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