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Questions & Answers about Il est préférable d’éteindre la lumière dans le salon, puis d’éteindre l’ordinateur si tu sors.
What does Il est préférable mean, and why is it constructed impersonally?
It literally means "it is preferable" or "it is better". The impersonal construction (using il) is used to express a general recommendation or opinion without referring to a specific subject.
Why is the verb éteindre in its infinitive form after Il est préférable?
In French, when using impersonal expressions like il est préférable, the recommended action is expressed with an infinitive. This construction (“d’éteindre”) indicates what is advisable to do without conjugating the verb for a specific subject.
What is the role of puis in this sentence?
Puis means "then" or "next". It signals that after you turn off the light in the living room, you should subsequently turn off the computer if the condition applies.
Why does the sentence add si tu sors only to the computer instruction?
The conditional clause si tu sors (meaning "if you go out") applies exclusively to the computer. It indicates that turning off the computer is only necessary when you are leaving, whereas turning off the living room light is recommended regardless of whether you leave or not.
What does dans le salon specify in the context of the light?
It specifies the location literally as "in the living room". This detail tells you exactly which light should be turned off, emphasizing that the recommendation applies to the living room rather than another area.