Breakdown of Nous prévoyons une promenade dans le jardin.
nous
we
dans
in
le jardin
the garden
la promenade
the walk
prévoir
to plan
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Questions & Answers about Nous prévoyons une promenade dans le jardin.
What does the verb prévoir mean in this sentence?
Prévoir means to plan or to foresee. In this context, it indicates that we are planning a walk in the garden rather than predicting something that will happen.
Why is the present tense used in Nous prévoyons even though the sentence refers to a future activity?
In French, the present tense is often used to describe near-future plans or scheduled events. Here, Nous prévoyons (we are planning) naturally implies an imminent or intended action without needing to switch to the future tense.
What is the role of une promenade in the sentence, and why is the indefinite article une used?
Une promenade serves as the direct object of the verb prévoir. The indefinite article une indicates that it’s a nonspecific walk—not a particular, previously mentioned stroll, but rather the general idea of taking a walk.
How does the prepositional phrase dans le jardin function grammatically, and why is the definite article le used here?
Dans le jardin is a prepositional phrase that tells us where the walk will occur. The definite article le is used because it refers to a specific garden, likely one known to both the speaker and the listener, giving a sense of a particular or familiar location.
Are there any nuances between prévoir and similar verbs like planifier or organiser in expressing future intentions?
Yes, there are subtle differences. Prévoir implies anticipating or making plans as part of an overall expectation. In contrast, planifier suggests a more detailed or systematic planning process, while organiser emphasizes arranging or setting up specific details. In this sentence, prévoir effectively conveys a general future intention without the formality implied by the other options.