French language Q&A Forum

Est-ce qu'on utilise "À partir du premier jour des vacances..." au lieu de "Dès le premier jour des vacances..." dans ce contexte ?  Si non, pourquoi ?

In my French - Japanese dictionary, there is an explanation of the usage of «passer» (verb intransitive), the example there says «J’ai passé à l’écrit (= I passed the writing exam)», whereas Kwiziq explains that 'in French, «passer» never means 'to pass an exam'.

So, practically, «passer» in French also means 'to pass an exam' occasionally?

Sorry to rehash this, but I find "follows the opposite pattern" confusing, as it really only applies to the use of avoir + demeuré, which is an intransitive use. Surely être demeuré remains (!) intransitive too, as it’s a state-of-being verb with no object?

For this example:

Je ne comprends pas le temps que ça lui prend de se préparer !I don't understand the time she takes to get ready!
Isn't the subjunctive of prendre supposed to be prenne?

The English sentence says "She can sing", not "She knows how to sing". I know how to sing but I can't sing because my voice is terrible. Can all French people (or Quebecoise) who know how to sing, actually sing???

Google translates "tu dois du repos" as "you need some rest." But it sounds like Kwiziq only wants us to use devoir before an infinitive. However, the lesson only says "sometimes you can use devoir" without any explanation or examples. Despite the fact that multiple people have been complaining about this for years!

I think also the English translation might be tripping me up in certain instances. Like "you need to take a day off" in English uses the infinitive verb "to take" but in French it's "you need " which is a noun. It would be nice if the lesson explained that. 

I hate having to just memorize the quiz maker's answer without understanding why Kwiziq thinks it's correct.

How can I get better in dictée

Quelle est la différence d'utilisation entre les magasins, les commerces et les boutiques ? Est-ce une question de taille, de spécialisation, etc. ?

I get that "magasin" is generally a retail outlet & "commerce" is more for small business, but I've seen them used interchangeably. In the States "boutique" is usually for high-end or very niche-oriented items, but that doesn't always seem to track en français.