About This Lesson
Use Choosing an activity when the weather may change to practice French conversation, pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, and quizzes.
Dialogue
A
Le temps peut changer, alors choisir une activité semble difficile.
luh tahn puh shahn-ZHAY, ah-LOR shwah-ZEER oon ak-tee-vee-TAY sahmbl duh-fee-SEEL. The weather may change, so choosing an activity feels difficult.
B
Choisis quelque chose qui convient aussi à l'intérieur s'il pleut.
shwah-ZEE kel-kuh SHOZ kee kohn-VYAN oh-SEE ah lan-tay-RYUR seel PLUH. Pick something that still works indoors if it rains.
A
Le marché en plein air semble amusant, mais la pluie pourrait le rendre inconfortable.
luh mar-SHAY ahn plan AIR sahmbl, may lah PLWEE poo-RAY luh RAHN-druh an-kohn-for-TAHBL. The outdoor market sounds fun, but rain could make it uncomfortable.
B
Un musée serait plus pratique si le temps se gâtait.
uhn myoo-ZAY suh-RAY ploo prah-TEEK see luh tahn suh gah-TAY. A museum would be easier if the weather turns bad.
A
Cela nous donne de la flexibilité sans annuler la journée.
suh-LAH noo DOHN duh lah flek-see-bee-lee-TAY sahnz AH-noo-LAY lah zhoor-NAY. That gives us flexibility without canceling the day.
B
Dis à tout le monde le plan principal et l'option à l'intérieur avant qu'ils partent.
DEE ah too luh MOND luh plan pran-see-PAL ay lop-SYON ah lan-tay-RYUR ah-VAHN keel PART. Tell everyone the main plan and the indoor option before they leave.
A
J'enverrai les deux options avant qu'on se retrouve.
zhahn-vuh-RAY lay DUH op-SYON ah-VAHN kohn suh ruh-TROOV. I will send both choices before we meet.
B
Les gens gèrent mieux les changements quand ils connaissent l'autre option à l'avance.
lay ZHAHN zhair MYUH lay shahnzh-MAHN kohn-TEEL koh-NESS LOH-truh op-SYON ah lah-VAHNS. People handle changes better when they know the alternative early.Word by Word
Le
In “Le temps peut changer”, “Le” means “the” and introduces the noun “temps”. It is used before a singular masculine noun. New example: “Le musée est ouvert” means “The museum is open.”
temps
In “Le temps peut changer”, “temps” means “weather”. Here it refers to the conditions outside, not to clock time. A common pattern is “le temps est...” when describing the weather.
peut
In “Le temps peut changer”, “peut” expresses possibility: the weather may change. It is used before the infinitive “changer”. A common pattern is “peut + infinitive” to say that something can or may happen.
changer
In “Le temps peut changer”, “changer” means “to change”. It is the infinitive used after “peut”. A common pattern is “faire changer...” when something causes a situation to change.
alors
In “..., alors choisir une activité semble difficile”, “alors” links the situation to its result and means “so” or “then”. Here it introduces the consequence of the possible weather change. It commonly connects two parts of a sentence showing a result.
choisir
In “choisir une activité semble difficile”, “choisir” means “choosing” and names the action being discussed. It is an infinitive used as the subject of “semble”. A common pattern is “choisir + object”, as in “choisir une activité”.
une
In “choisir une activité”, “une” means “a” and introduces the singular feminine noun “activité”. It identifies one activity without specifying which one. It commonly appears directly before a singular feminine noun.
activité
In “choisir une activité”, “activité” means “activity”, the thing the speakers must select. It is the object of “choisir”. A common pattern is “une activité” followed by a description or location.
semble
In “choisir une activité semble difficile”, “semble” means “seems” and presents an impression or judgment. It is followed here by the adjective “difficile”. A common pattern is “sembler + adjective” to describe how something appears.
difficile
In “semble difficile”, “difficile” means “difficult” and describes the action of choosing an activity. It follows “semble” as the quality being attributed to that action. It can commonly describe a task, decision, or situation.
Choisis
In “Choisis quelque chose”, “Choisis” tells one person to choose or pick something. It is a direct instruction and is followed by the object “quelque chose”. A common pattern is “Choisis + noun” or “Choisis quelque chose” when giving someone a choice.
quelque chose
In “Choisis quelque chose qui convient aussi à l'intérieur”, “quelque chose” means “something” and refers to an unspecified thing to choose. The expression functions as a whole: “quelque” indicates an unspecified amount or identity, and “chose” means “thing”. It can be followed by “qui” and a description of what the thing does or is like.
qui
In “quelque chose qui convient aussi à l'intérieur”, “qui” means “that” or “which” and introduces information about “quelque chose”. Here it is the subject of “convient”. A common pattern is “noun + qui + verb” to describe the noun.
convient
In “quelque chose qui convient aussi à l'intérieur”, “convient” means “works” or “is suitable” for staying indoors. It explains why the suggested thing is appropriate in that situation. A common pattern is “convenir à + person or situation”, as in “cela convient à tout le monde” in a new example.
aussi
In “convient aussi à l'intérieur”, “aussi” adds the meaning “also” or “too”. It says that the activity works indoors as well, in addition to another setting. It commonly appears near the verb or the phrase it modifies.
à l'intérieur
In “convient aussi à l'intérieur”, “à l'intérieur” means “indoors” or “inside”. The expression as a whole gives the location: “à” introduces the location and “l'intérieur” means “the inside”. It can be used after a verb of movement or suitability to indicate an indoor setting.
s'il
In “s'il pleut”, “s'il” means “if it” and introduces the condition of rain. It is the combined form of “si” and “il”, used before “pleut”. A common pattern is “s'il + verb” for a condition involving the weather or another situation.
pleut
In “s'il pleut”, “pleut” means “rains”. It describes the weather condition that could affect the activity. A common pattern is “il pleut” for saying that it is raining, and “s'il pleut” places that statement inside an if-clause.
marché
In “Le marché en plein air”, “marché” means “market”. It identifies the outdoor activity being considered. A common pattern is “un marché” followed by a place or description.
en plein air
In “Le marché en plein air”, “en plein air” means “outdoors” or “open-air” and describes where the market takes place. The expression works as a whole: “en” introduces the setting, while “plein air” refers to the open air. It commonly follows an activity or place, as in “un concert en plein air” in a new example.
amusant
In “semble amusant”, “amusant” means “fun” and describes the outdoor market as an enjoyable activity. It follows “semble” to express the speakers’ impression. It can commonly describe an activity, event, or experience.
mais
In “..., mais la pluie pourrait le rendre inconfortable”, “mais” means “but” and introduces a difficulty that contrasts with the market seeming fun. It connects the positive impression with the possible problem. It commonly links two contrasting statements.
pluie
In “la pluie pourrait le rendre inconfortable”, “pluie” means “rain”. Here it is presented as the possible cause of discomfort. A common pattern is “la pluie” with a verb describing its effect on an activity or place.
pourrait
In “la pluie pourrait le rendre inconfortable”, “pourrait” expresses a possible result: the rain could make it uncomfortable. It is followed by the infinitive construction “le rendre inconfortable”. A common pattern is “pourrait + infinitive” for a possible consequence.
rendre
In “pourrait le rendre inconfortable”, “rendre” means “to make” or “to render” and introduces the result caused by the rain. The full construction includes “le” as the thing affected and “inconfortable” as the resulting quality. A common pattern is “rendre quelque chose + adjective”.
inconfortable
In “le rendre inconfortable”, “inconfortable” means “uncomfortable” and describes the possible effect on the market visit. It completes the construction “rendre ... inconfortable”. It can commonly describe a place, situation, or experience that does not feel comfortable.
Un
In “Un musée serait plus pratique”, “Un” means “a” and introduces the singular masculine noun “musée”. It presents a museum as one possible choice. It commonly appears directly before a singular masculine noun.
musée
In “Un musée serait plus pratique”, “musée” means “museum”. It is the indoor alternative to the outdoor market. A common pattern is “aller au musée” in a new example.
serait
In “Un musée serait plus pratique”, “serait” means “would be” and presents the museum as a possible or hypothetical choice. It is followed by the comparative description “plus pratique”. A common pattern is “serait + adjective” when evaluating a possible option.
plus
In “plus pratique”, “plus” means “more” and forms a comparison. It shows that the museum would be more practical than the other choice in bad weather. It commonly appears before an adjective.
pratique
In “Un musée serait plus pratique”, “pratique” means “practical” or “convenient”. Here it describes the museum as a useful choice if the weather gets worse. It commonly follows “être” or “sembler” when evaluating an option.
si
In “si le temps se gâtait”, “si” means “if” and introduces the condition under which the museum would be more practical. It links a possible weather change to the suggested choice. A common pattern is “si + situation” followed by a result or suggestion.
se
In “le temps se gâtait”, “se” is part of the expression “se gâter”, used here for the weather becoming worse. It belongs with the verb rather than expressing a separate action by itself. A common pattern is “le temps se gâte” when the weather turns bad.
gâtait
In “si le temps se gâtait”, “gâtait” means “turned bad” or “worsened” as part of “se gâter”. Together, “le temps se gâtait” describes the weather becoming worse. It is used here inside the condition introduced by “si”.
Cela
In “Cela nous donne de la flexibilité”, “Cela” means “that” or “this” and refers to the plan of keeping an indoor option available. It is the subject of “donne”. It commonly refers back to an idea, action, or situation already mentioned.
nous
In “Cela nous donne de la flexibilité”, “nous” means “us” and identifies the people who receive the flexibility. It is the object affected by “donne”. It commonly appears before a verb when referring to “us” as the recipient or affected group.
donne
In “Cela nous donne de la flexibilité”, “donne” means “gives”. The full construction says that the flexible plan provides the speakers with flexibility. A common pattern is “donner quelque chose à quelqu'un”, meaning “to give something to someone” in a new example.
de
In “de la flexibilité”, “de” combines with “la” to introduce the quantity or idea being given. Here it is part of the expression “de la flexibilité”, meaning “flexibility” without presenting it as a specific countable item. It commonly appears before an uncountable or abstract noun in this kind of phrase.
la
In “de la flexibilité”, “la” is part of the feminine article phrase “de la” before “flexibilité”. It helps form the expression referring to flexibility as an abstract quantity. It commonly appears before a singular feminine noun.
flexibilité
In “Cela nous donne de la flexibilité”, “flexibilité” means “flexibility”. Here it refers to being able to use the outdoor plan or the indoor alternative without canceling the day. It commonly follows “donner” when describing room to adapt.
sans
In “sans annuler la journée”, “sans” means “without” and introduces an action that does not happen. Here the day continues without being canceled. It commonly appears before an infinitive, as in “sans attendre” in a new example.
annuler
In “sans annuler la journée”, “annuler” means “to cancel”. It describes the action that the speakers avoid by keeping another option available. It commonly takes an event, appointment, or plan as its object.
journée
In “annuler la journée”, “journée” means “day” as the planned period or day’s activities. It is the thing that would otherwise be canceled. A common pattern is “passer la journée” when talking about spending the day.
Dis
In “Dis à tout le monde...”, “Dis” tells one person to tell or inform everyone. It is a direct instruction followed by the person receiving the information and then the message. A common pattern is “Dis à quelqu'un + information”.
tout le monde
In “Dis à tout le monde le plan principal”, “tout le monde” means “everyone” and refers to all the people joining the plan. The expression works as a whole: “tout” means “all”, “le” introduces “monde”, and “monde” means “world”, but together they mean “everyone”. It commonly follows “à” when identifying the people who should receive information.
plan
In “le plan principal”, “plan” means “plan”, specifically the main arrangement for the day. It is described by “principal”. A common pattern is “faire un plan” when organizing an activity.
principal
In “le plan principal”, “principal” means “main” or “principal”. It identifies the primary plan, contrasted here with the indoor option. It commonly follows a noun when indicating which part is primary.
et
In “le plan principal et l'option à l'intérieur”, “et” means “and”. It joins the main plan with the indoor option that should also be communicated. It commonly connects two nouns, phrases, or complete ideas.
l'option
In “l'option à l'intérieur”, “l'option” means “the option”. The form uses “l'” before the vowel sound at the start of “option”. Here it refers specifically to the indoor alternative. It commonly appears before a phrase that identifies or describes the choice.
avant
In “avant qu'ils partent”, “avant” means “before” and introduces the time relationship between telling everyone and their leaving. Here it is followed by “que” and a clause. It commonly appears in “avant de + infinitive” or “avant que + clause” constructions.
qu'ils
In “avant qu'ils partent”, “qu'ils” means “that they” and introduces the clause about the people leaving. It combines “que” with “ils”. A common pattern is “avant qu'ils + verb” when an action must happen before they do something.
partent
In “avant qu'ils partent”, “partent” means “leave”. It describes the action that the people have not yet carried out when the information should be given. It follows “avant que” in this time-related clause.
J'enverrai
In “J'enverrai les deux options”, “J'enverrai” means “I will send”. It states the speaker’s intention to send both choices before the meeting. The form combines “J'” for “I” before a vowel sound with the verb form for sending; a common pattern is “J'enverrai + object”.
les
In “les deux options”, “les” means “the” and introduces the plural noun phrase “deux options”. It marks the choices as the two specific options already discussed. It commonly appears before a plural noun.
deux
In “les deux options”, “deux” means “two” and specifies the number of options being sent. It appears directly before “options”. It commonly comes before a plural noun to state its exact number.
options
In “les deux options”, “options” means “options” or “choices”. It refers to the outdoor market and the indoor museum as the two alternatives. It commonly follows a number or a determiner when listing available choices.
qu'on
In “avant qu'on se retrouve”, “qu'on” means “that we” and introduces the clause about meeting up. It combines “que” with “on”. Here “on” refers to the people who will meet, and the phrase is followed by “se retrouve”.
retrouve
In “avant qu'on se retrouve”, “retrouve” contributes to the expression “se retrouve”, meaning “meet up” here. The reflexive form makes the action mutual in this context, rather than describing finding an object again. It commonly appears with a place or time when arranging to meet.
gens
In “Les gens gèrent mieux les changements”, “gens” means “people”. It refers generally to the people involved in the plan. It commonly appears with “les” when speaking about people as a group.
gèrent
In “Les gens gèrent mieux les changements”, “gèrent” means “handle” or “manage”. Here it describes how people deal with changes to the plan. A common pattern is “gérer + noun”, such as “gérer une situation” in a new example.
mieux
In “gèrent mieux les changements”, “mieux” means “better” and describes the improved way people handle changes when informed early. It modifies “gèrent”. It commonly appears after a verb when comparing how well an action is done.
changements
In “gèrent mieux les changements”, “changements” means “changes”. Here it refers to changes between the planned activity and the alternative. It commonly follows a verb such as “gérer” when discussing how people deal with changes.
quand
In “quand ils connaissent l'autre option”, “quand” means “when” and introduces the situation in which people handle changes better. It connects the main idea with the condition of knowing the alternative. It commonly appears before a clause describing a time or situation.
connaissent
In “quand ils connaissent l'autre option”, “connaissent” means “know” in the sense of being aware of the other option. It takes “l'autre option” as the information known. A common pattern is “connaître + person, place, or thing” when referring to familiarity or knowledge.
l'autre
In “l'autre option”, “l'autre” means “the other” and identifies the alternative choice. The form uses “l'” before the vowel at the beginning of “autre”. It commonly appears before a noun when contrasting one choice with another.
à l'avance
In “connaissent l'autre option à l'avance”, “à l'avance” means “in advance” or “early enough beforehand”. The expression as a whole indicates that people know the alternative before the situation changes; “à” introduces the phrase and “l'avance” refers to having a lead in time. It commonly follows a verb such as “savoir”, “connaître”, or “préparer” when something is done beforehand.
Grammar Points
se gâtait
se gâtait
suh gah-TAYwas turning bad
The -ait ending marks the imperfect, used for an ongoing or developing past situation.
J'enverrai
J'enverrai
zhahn-vuh-RAYI will send
The -ai ending marks the simple future for the first-person singular.
French Vocabulary
à l'intérieur
adv
ah lan-tay-RYUR
indoors
activité
noun
ak-tee-vee-TAY
activity
alors
adv
ah-LOR
so; then
changer
verb
shahn-ZHAY
to change
choisir
verb
shwah-ZEER
to choose
convenir
verb
kohn-vuh-NEER
to suit; to work
convient
difficile
adj
dee-fee-SEEL
difficult
marché
noun
mar-SHAY
market
pleuvoir
verb
pluh-VWAR
to rain
pleut
quelque chose
pron
kel-kuh SHOZ
something
sembler
verb
sahm-BLAY
to seem
semble
temps
noun
tahn
weather
Quiz
Spelling
Tap the letters to spell the word.
to change
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changerto seem
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sembleso; then
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alorsdifficult