Après le petit-déjeuner, je reprends le travail.

After breakfast, I resume work.

Breakdown of Après le petit-déjeuner, je reprends le travail.

• je: I
• le petit-déjeuner: the breakfast
• le travail: the work
• après: after
• reprendre: to resume

Questions & Answers about Après le petit-déjeuner, je reprends le travail.

What is the grammatical role of “Après le petit‐déjeuner” in this sentence?

It forms an adverbial phrase that indicates when the main action takes place. Essentially, it tells us that the action of resuming work happens after breakfast.

Why is there a comma after “Après le petit‐déjeuner”?

The comma separates the introductory adverbial phrase from the main clause. In French punctuation, it’s common to use a comma after lengthy introductory elements to signal a pause and clarify the sentence structure.

What does the verb “reprends” imply in this context, and how is it different from simply using “continue”?

“Reprends” is the present-tense form of “reprendre,” which means “to resume” or “to pick up again.” It implies that the work was paused (in this case, for breakfast) and is now being restarted. While “continue” might suggest an unbroken flow, “reprends” highlights that there was a temporary stop before returning to work.

In which tense is “je reprends,” and what does that indicate about the action described?

“Je reprends” is in the present tense. This can indicate either that the speaker is describing a current action or referring to a habitual practice, such as resuming work shortly after breakfast on a regular basis.

Why is the definite article “le” used in “le travail” instead of an indefinite article?

The definite article “le” is used because the speaker is referring to a specific, well-known notion of work—most often a job or routine tasks in general. In French, using “le” here suggests that this work is a familiar concept to both the speaker and the listener.

Are there any nuances with the compound noun “petit‐déjeuner” that might be confusing for a learner?

Yes. Although “petit‐déjeuner” literally breaks down to “small meal,” it is the standard French term for breakfast. This can be confusing because the literal translation might not seem to match its current meaning. It’s a good example of how compound nouns can evolve differently in meaning from their individual parts.