De temps en temps, je lis un livre.

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Breakdown of De temps en temps, je lis un livre.

• lire: to read
• le livre: the book
• de temps en temps: from time to time

Questions & Answers about De temps en temps, je lis un livre.

What does the phrase de temps en temps mean?

It means from time to time or occasionally. This adverbial phrase indicates that the action (reading a book) happens sometimes, not on a regular or daily basis.

Why is there a comma after de temps en temps?

The comma separates the introductory adverbial phrase from the rest of the sentence. In French, it’s common to use a comma after phrases that set the scene or context for the action that follows.

Why is un livre used instead of des livres?

Un livre uses the singular indefinite article un to refer to a single, non-specific book. This construction implies that each time the speaker reads, they pick up one book, not multiple books or an undefined quantity. If you wanted to express reading books in general, the plural des livres would be more appropriate.

How is the verb lire conjugated in this sentence, and what does that tell us?

The verb lire is conjugated in the present tense as je lis for the first person singular. In French, the present tense can describe habitual actions. Here, je lis implies a recurring action—reading a book from time to time—even though it could also be used to talk about something happening right now.

Would changing the placement of de temps en temps affect the meaning of the sentence?

Not significantly. While beginning the sentence with de temps en temps emphasizes the occasional nature of the activity, you could also say Je lis un livre de temps en temps. Both versions correctly express that the action happens occasionally; the difference is mainly stylistic and in emphasis rather than in meaning.