Breakdown of Le mur est couvert de fleurs.
être
to be
le mur
the wall
la fleur
the flower
couvert
covered
de
with
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Questions & Answers about Le mur est couvert de fleurs.
What is the function of de fleurs in the sentence?
It serves as a complement to the adjective couvert, specifying the substance that covers the wall. In French, adjectives like couvert are often followed by de to indicate what the subject is covered with, rather than using a direct object.
Why is de fleurs used instead of avec des fleurs or par des fleurs?
The expression être couvert de is idiomatic in French when describing a state of being covered by something. Using avec would imply accompaniment, and par is typically reserved for indicating an agent in a passive construction. De correctly introduces the substance that encrusts or covers the subject.
Is couvert functioning as an adjective or a past participle in this sentence?
Although couvert is the past participle of the verb couvrir, in this sentence it is used adjectivally to describe the state of le mur. When used with être, many past participles take on an adjectival role and agree in gender and number with the subject.
How does adjective agreement work in this sentence?
The subject le mur is masculine singular, so couvert remains in its masculine singular form. If the subject were feminine (e.g., la table) or plural (e.g., les murs), the past participle would change accordingly (e.g., couverte for a feminine subject, couverts/couvertes for a plural subject, depending on the gender).
Can you give examples of other adjectives that follow a similar de construction in French?
Certainly. Other adjectives that use this structure include: • Rempli de – as in La bouteille est remplie d'eau (The bottle is filled with water). • Plein de – as in La valise est pleine de vêtements (The suitcase is full of clothes). • Constitué de – as in Le groupe est constitué de dix membres (The group is composed of ten members).
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