Breakdown of Marie règle la lumière dans la maison.
Marie
Marie
la maison
the house
dans
in
la lumière
the light
régler
to adjust
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Questions & Answers about Marie règle la lumière dans la maison.
What does the verb régler mean in this sentence?
In this sentence, régler means "to adjust" or "to set." The context suggests that Marie is modifying the light—for example, adjusting its brightness or configuration—in the house.
How is the verb régler conjugated here, and why is it used in this form?
The verb is conjugated as règle, which is the third-person singular present tense form of régler. Since Marie is the singular subject, the verb is adapted accordingly to agree with her.
Why are the nouns lumière and maison preceded by the article la?
Both lumière (light) and maison (house) are feminine nouns in French. The definite article la is used with feminine singular nouns, indicating that we are referring to a specific light and a particular house.
What is the function of the phrase dans la maison in this sentence?
The phrase dans la maison is a prepositional phrase that indicates location. It tells us where the action of adjusting or setting the light is taking place—in this case, inside the house.
Can régler have other meanings, and how do we know which meaning applies here?
Yes, régler can also mean "to settle" (as in resolving a problem) or "to pay" (a bill) in different contexts. However, in this sentence the context—especially the direct object la lumière and the location dans la maison—makes it clear that Marie is adjusting the light rather than settling a dispute or paying a bill.