C'était deux jours avant qu'elle ne disparaisse - Subj. present vs passé

Farah M.C1Kwiziq community member

C'était deux jours avant qu'elle ne disparaisse - Subj. present vs passé

"C'était deux jours avant qu'elle ne disparaisse"


Why is it "disparaisse" and not "ait disparu"? Because at the time of the story being told (two days before she disappeared) she had not yet disappeared?

Asked 4 years ago
CécileNative French expert teacher in KwiziqCorrect answer

Hi Farah,

J'irai le voir avant qu'il (ne) parte = I'll go and see him before he leaves

C'était deux jours avant qu'elle ne disparaisse It was two days before she disappeared

C'était deux jours avant qu'elle n'ait disparu = It was two days before she'd disappeared 

Hope this helps!

C'était deux jours avant qu'elle ne disparaisse - Subj. present vs passé

"C'était deux jours avant qu'elle ne disparaisse"


Why is it "disparaisse" and not "ait disparu"? Because at the time of the story being told (two days before she disappeared) she had not yet disappeared?

Sign in to submit your answer

Don't have an account yet? Join today

Ask a question

Find your French level for FREE

Test your French to the CEFR standard

Find your French level
Thinking...