Does it have to be someone doing something or just something happening?

Freya L.C1Kwiziq community member

Does it have to be someone doing something or just something happening?

It says jusqu'à ce que and subjunctive is for until someone does something so for example 'we kissed until his parents arrived'. But could it also apply to 'we talked until it became too late'? So a second part of the sentence not done by someone but a situation without a person and action.

Asked 1 year ago
Jim J.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor Correct answer

Bonjour Freya,

"We talked until it became too late"  -->  "nous avons parlé jusqu'à ce qu'il soit trop tard."

The above is how I see your point being translated, but I would like to see what others may contribute and perhaps input from one of the staff experts.

Also, have a look at this link:    https://www.lawlessfrench.com/grammar/jusque/

 

Bonne journée

Jim

CélineNative French expert teacher in KwiziqCorrect answer

Bonjour Freya,

Jim is correct. You can use this structure up until "something happens", not only up until someone does something. 

Je suis resté à la plage jusqu'à ce qu'il commence à pleuvoir. = I stayed at the beach until it started raining.

On a parlé jusqu'à ce qu'il fasse nuit. = We talked until it got dark.

We've amended this part of the lesson to clarify this point.

I hope this is helpful.

Bonne journée !

Does it have to be someone doing something or just something happening?

It says jusqu'à ce que and subjunctive is for until someone does something so for example 'we kissed until his parents arrived'. But could it also apply to 'we talked until it became too late'? So a second part of the sentence not done by someone but a situation without a person and action.

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