Ensuite, nous fabriquerons peut-être un nouveau placard, si tout se passe bien d’ici la fin du mois.

Then, we might build a new cupboard, if everything goes well by the end of the month.

Breakdown of Ensuite, nous fabriquerons peut-être un nouveau placard, si tout se passe bien d’ici la fin du mois.

• nous: we
• ensuite: then
• si: if
• nouveau: new
• se: oneself
• tout: everything
• une: a
• fabriquer: to build
• le placard: the cupboard
• peut‑être: maybe
• passer: to go
• bien: well
• d’ici: by
• la fin du mois: the end of the month

Questions & Answers about Ensuite, nous fabriquerons peut-être un nouveau placard, si tout se passe bien d’ici la fin du mois.

What does the word Ensuite mean and how is it used in the sentence?

Ensuite translates to "then" or "next". It signals that the upcoming action follows a previous event, helping to establish a sequence in the narrative.

Why is the verb fabriquerons in the future tense?

The verb fabriquerons is in the future simple tense, indicating an action that is planned to occur later. It tells us that “we will make/build” a new closet, assuming that conditions are favorable.

What is the role of peut-être in this sentence, and why might its placement be significant?

Peut-être means "maybe" or "perhaps". It introduces an element of uncertainty about the plan. By placing it after fabriquerons, the sentence expresses that while there is an intention to build a new closet, it is not guaranteed and depends on whether everything goes well.

Why is the present tense used in si tout se passe bien, even though the overall action is in the future?

In French, when forming conditional sentences referring to future events, the clause introduced by si (meaning "if") is typically in the present tense. Therefore, si tout se passe bien uses the present tense to set up the condition under which the future action will take place.

What does the phrase un nouveau placard refer to, and could the word placard be confusing for English speakers?

Un nouveau placard literally means "a new closet" or "a new cupboard". Although the English word placard usually refers to a sign or poster, in French it denotes a storage space (often built into the wall). This difference in meaning is important for learners to note.

What does d’ici la fin du mois tell us about the timeline for the planned action?

D’ici la fin du mois translates to "by the end of the month". It specifies a deadline: the new closet will be built only if everything goes well before the month concludes.