Question 1

Could I use d'abord instead of au début here to mean 'at first'?

Accepted Answer

You could, but there is a subtle difference. Au début refers to the start of a period of time or an ongoing state ('in the beginning'). D'abord is used more for the first step in a sequence of actions ('firstly' or 'first of all'). Since this sentence describes a continuing state using the imperfect tense, au début is the most natural fit.

Question 2

Why is tout used here instead of tous, and why does it take a singular verb?

Accepted Answer

Here, tout acts as an indefinite pronoun meaning 'everything'. When it means 'everything' in a general, neuter sense, it is strictly singular and takes a third-person singular verb (semblait). You would only use the plural tous if you were referring to specific items previously mentioned, which would also make the adjective plural: tous semblaient simples (all of them seemed simple).

Question 3

Why is the verb sembler in the imperfect tense (semblait) rather than the passé composé?

Accepted Answer

The imperfect tense is used because it describes a past state of being or an ongoing situation. 'Everything seemed simple' sets the scene and describes the general reality during that initial period, rather than a single, completed event.

Question 4

Could I say tout avait l'air simple instead of tout semblait simple?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Both phrases mean essentially the same thing. Avoir l'air is slightly more informal and conversational, while sembler is a bit more standard or formal, but they are perfectly interchangeable in this context.

Au début, tout semblait simple.

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