Learn Hardcore French: Marie prépare un dessert sucré.

In French, adjectives typically follow the noun they modify, unlike in English where adjectives usually come before the noun. Sucré (meaning "sweet") is one of those adjectives that naturally comes after the noun to describe its quality.

What is the purpose of the indefinite article un before dessert?

The article un functions like the English "a." It indicates that the dessert is one instance of a dessert rather than a specific, previously mentioned dessert. It also agrees in gender and number with dessert, which is masculine singular.

What tense is the verb prépare, and how does it match the subject Marie?

Prépare is the present tense form of the verb préparer. It is conjugated in the third-person singular to agree with the subject Marie, indicating that she is currently preparing something.

Does the adjective sucré need to change form to agree with dessert?

Yes. In French, adjectives must agree in gender and number with the noun they modify. Since dessert is masculine singular, sucré is used in its masculine singular form.

Can you break down the structure of the sentence Marie prépare un dessert sucré?

Certainly. Marie is the subject performing the action. Prépare is the present tense verb meaning "prepares." Un dessert acts as the direct object, with un being the indefinite article that matches the masculine noun dessert. Lastly, sucré is an adjective describing the dessert, placed after the noun as is standard in French.