Il est important que nous parlions correctement pour être compris.

to be

Breakdown of Il est important que nous parlions correctement pour être compris.

• il: he
• nous: we
• important: important
• parler: to speak
• que: that
• pour: in order to
• correctement: correctly
• compris: understood

Questions & Answers about Il est important que nous parlions correctement pour être compris.

Why is the subjunctive mood used after the expression Il est important que in this sentence?

The phrase Il est important que introduces a clause expressing necessity or a subjective judgment. In French, phrases like this trigger the subjunctive mood to indicate that what follows is not a statement of fact but an ideal or requirement.

Why do we use parlions instead of parlons in the subordinate clause?

Parlions is the first person plural present subjunctive form of parler. Even though the subject is "we," French grammar requires the subjunctive mood after expressions of importance like Il est important que, hence using parlions instead of the indicative parlons.

How is the present subjunctive form parlions derived from the verb parler?

To form the present subjunctive for parler:

1. Start with the third person plural form of the present indicative (parlent).
2. Remove the ending -ent to obtain the stem (parl-).
3. Add the appropriate ending for nous in the subjunctive, which is -ions, resulting in parlions.

What role does the adverb correctement play in this sentence?

Correctement modifies the verb parlions, specifying the manner in which we should speak. It emphasizes that speaking in a proper or correct way is necessary to ensure that one is understood.

What is the function of the phrase pour être compris?

The phrase pour être compris is an infinitive construction that expresses purpose—it means "in order to be understood." It explains the reason why it is important to speak correctly, indicating the desired outcome of clear communication.

Are there alternative ways to rephrase this sentence while keeping its meaning intact?

Yes. For example, you could say:
Il est essentiel que nous parlions correctement afin d'être compris.
This version uses essentiel instead of important and afin d'être instead of pour être, but it still requires the subjunctive parlions and conveys the same meaning.