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Suggérons que nous rencontrions ce collègue pour éviter une faute de communication.

Suggérons que nous rencontrions ce collègue pour éviter une faute de communication.
(Let’s suggest that we meet this colleague to avoid a communication mistake.)
FromLesson 7inHardcore French

Questions & Answers about Suggérons que nous rencontrions ce collègue pour éviter une faute de communication.

Why is the verb rencontrions in the subjunctive mood rather than the indicative?
Because the main clause begins with a suggestion ("Suggérons que…"), which in French requires the subordinate clause to use the subjunctive mood. Verbs expressing suggestion, desire, or necessity typically trigger the subjunctive, hence rencontrions instead of rencontrons.
Is Suggérons functioning as an imperative form in this sentence, and what does it imply?
Yes, Suggérons is the first person plural imperative form. It translates roughly to "let's suggest" or "we suggest," inviting the speaker and others to take part in an action, thus making the suggestion a collective decision.
What role does the conjunction que play in the sentence?
The word que introduces the subordinate clause which contains the action that is being suggested. It connects the suggestion from the main clause to the clause that must use the subjunctive mood.
Why is the subject nous present in both the main clause and the subordinate clause?
Using nous in both clauses clarifies that the suggestion applies to the same group, emphasizing collective action. In the main clause, it is implied by the form Suggérons, and in the subordinate clause, nous indicates that the meeting is something all members are expected to participate in.
What does faute de communication mean in English?
Faute de communication translates to "communication error" or "miscommunication." It indicates that the meeting is proposed to prevent any potential misunderstandings or errors in communication.
What is the function of pour éviter in the sentence?
Pour éviter explains the purpose of the suggested meeting. It means "in order to avoid," linking the action of meeting the colleague with the goal of preventing a communication error.
Can you explain the importance of the subjunctive mood in this sentence?
Certainly. The subjunctive mood in French is used to express actions that are uncertain, desired, or subjective rather than factual. In this sentence, since the action of meeting the colleague is proposed as a recommendation (and not stated as a fact), the subjunctive form rencontrions is required. This mood signals that the meeting is suggested to achieve the goal of avoiding miscommunication.
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“How does grammatical gender work in French?”
Every French noun is either masculine or feminine, and this affects the articles and adjectives used with it. "Le" is used with masculine nouns and "la" with feminine ones. Adjectives also change form to match — for example, "petit" (masc.) becomes "petite" (fem.).

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