Breakdown of N’oubliez pas de réviser avant votre examen, si vous voulez de bons résultats.
ne ... pas
not
avant
before
vouloir
to want
de
of
si
if
oublier
to forget
de
some
vous
you
votre
your
réviser
to review
l'examen
the exam
le résultat
the result
bon
good
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Questions & Answers about N’oubliez pas de réviser avant votre examen, si vous voulez de bons résultats.
What is the negative imperative form in this sentence and how is it constructed?
The phrase N’oubliez pas is an example of the negative imperative in French. To form it, you start with the imperative form of the verb oublier (which is oubliez for the formal or plural vous), then you add the negation parts: ne (contracted here as n’ because the following word starts with a vowel) before the verb and pas after it. This structure tells someone do not forget.
Why is de réviser used after N’oubliez pas instead of simply using réviser?
In French, when a verb like oublier is followed by an infinitive that explains what should not be forgotten, it is standard to include the preposition de. Thus, n’oubliez pas de réviser correctly links the action of revising to the command, meaning don’t forget to revise.
Why is the possessive adjective votre used in avant votre examen instead of using ton?
The use of votre indicates that the command is given in a formal context or is addressed to more than one person. It shows respect and aligns with the formal vous form. In contrast, ton would be used for a more informal, singular address.
What is the purpose of the conditional clause si vous voulez de bons résultats within the sentence?
The clause si vous voulez de bons résultats serves as the condition that explains the benefit of following the command. It implies that revising before the exam will lead to good results—essentially saying, if you want good results, then revise before your exam.
Why is the adjective bons in the phrase de bons résultats used in its plural form?
In French, adjectives must agree in number with the noun they modify. Since résultats is a plural noun, the adjective is changed to its plural form bons instead of the singular bon. This agreement in number is a key aspect of French grammar.
What role does the prepositional phrase avant votre examen play in the sentence?
The phrase avant votre examen functions as a time indicator, specifying when the action (revising) should occur—namely, before your exam. It helps set the context and underscores the importance of preparing in advance to achieve good results.