Nous rangeons de vieilles caisses dans le sous-sol.

We store old boxes in the basement.

Breakdown of Nous rangeons de vieilles caisses dans le sous-sol.

• nous: we
• dans: in
• vieux: old
• ranger: to store
• le sous-sol: the basement

Questions & Answers about Nous rangeons de vieilles caisses dans le sous-sol.

What does the subject "Nous" and the verb "rangeons" indicate in this sentence?

"Nous" means we, and "rangeons" is the present tense conjugation of the verb ranger for "nous." Together, they indicate that we are (currently) organizing, tidying up, or storing something.

Why is "de" used before "vieilles caisses" instead of the expected "des"?

In French, when an adjective precedes a plural noun, the indefinite article des changes to de. So while one might say "nous rangeons des caisses" (we store boxes), adding the adjective vieilles before the noun requires the change to "de vieilles caisses."

What is the function of the phrase "dans le sous-sol" in the sentence?

"Dans le sous-sol" is a prepositional phrase that specifies location. It means "in the basement," indicating where the boxes are being stored.

How does the adjective "vieilles" agree with the noun "caisses," and why is its placement significant?

The adjective "vieilles" agrees with "caisses" in gender (feminine) and number (plural). Its placement before the noun is necessary here because of the rule that the plural indefinite article changes to de when an adjective precedes the noun. Thus, it not only describes the noun but also triggers the grammatical change in the article.

Does the verb "ranger" have other meanings, and what nuance does it carry in this context?

Yes, "ranger" can mean to tidy up, to organize, or to put away. In this context, it implies that we are putting away or storing the old boxes in an orderly fashion within the basement. The exact nuance—whether it's simply organizing or storing—depends on the context, but here it suggests arranging items properly in their designated space.