Why does Nous sommes become se trouvait?

chris w.C1Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor

Why does Nous sommes become se trouvait?

Nous sommes entrés dans une grande salle, au milieu de laquelle se trouvait une statue.Is it 'one found, as in on se trouvait' as opposed to we found?
Asked 3 years ago
Maarten K.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor Correct answer

(OP) Chris  , it is not saying “ we went into a large hall, where we found a statue”, - it is saying “we went into a large hall,  in the middle of which there was (located/found) a statue  “ .  The verb se trouver - to be (in a place)/located/‘found’ eg « la maison se trouve au coin de la rue »

Chris W.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor

The entry is a singular happening in the past, hence passé composé. The bit about the statue is describing a state, hence imperfect.

Why does Nous sommes become se trouvait?

Nous sommes entrés dans une grande salle, au milieu de laquelle se trouvait une statue.Is it 'one found, as in on se trouvait' as opposed to we found?

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