Je vais aussi emporter un parapluie, au cas où il pleuvrait.

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Breakdown of Je vais aussi emporter un parapluie, au cas où il pleuvrait.

• aussi: also
• aller: to go
• pleuvoir: to rain
• le parapluie: the umbrella
• il: it
• emporter: to take along
• au cas où: in case

Questions & Answers about Je vais aussi emporter un parapluie, au cas où il pleuvrait.

Why is au cas où followed by il pleuvrait instead of a subjunctive form?

In French, the expression au cas où (“in case”) is conventionally followed by the conditional mood to indicate a hypothetical or precautionary situation. Although one might expect the subjunctive when dealing with uncertain outcomes, the standard construction uses the conditional form—here il pleuvrait is the conditional of pleuvoir—to express that you're taking the umbrella in the event that it might rain.

What is the difference between emporter and apporter in this context?

Emporter means “to take something with you away from the current location,” while apporter means “to bring something to a place or to someone.” In the sentence, Je vais aussi emporter un parapluie indicates that you are taking the umbrella with you (likely away from your current spot), which is why emporter is the proper choice.

What role does aussi play in this sentence?

Aussi means “also” or “too” in English. It adds an extra piece of information, indicating that in addition to other items or plans, you will also take an umbrella. Its placement before emporter emphasizes that this action is an additional precautionary measure.

How is the sentence structured, and what is the function of the comma?

The sentence is divided into two parts. The main clause Je vais aussi emporter un parapluie states what you plan to do, and the subordinate clause au cas où il pleuvrait explains the reason or condition for that action. The comma is used to separate these two parts, making clear that the second clause is an adverbial clause expressing a precaution—in this case, to prepare for the possibility of rain.

How is the conditional form pleuvrait formed, and what does it express here?

Pleuvrait is the conditional form of the impersonal verb pleuvoir (“to rain”). It is created by taking the root used for the future (in this verb’s case, essentially the stem pleuv-) and adding the conditional ending -rait. In this context, it expresses a hypothetical action—rain might occur—reinforcing the precautionary idea behind taking an umbrella.