ils peuvent me laisser languir des heures durant

S. B.C1Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor

ils peuvent me laisser languir des heures durant

What does "durant" mean exactly in this sentence?  Why would it not be "durantes"?

Asked 4 years ago
CécileNative French expert teacher in KwiziqCorrect answer

Hi Sean,

It is because 'durant' is not an adjective but a preposition like pendant

Sometimes it is placed after the noun for stylistic purposes to emphasize the action. 

Il a fait ça, six ans durant = He did that for six whole years

Hope this helps!

 

S. B.C1Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor

Thanks.  So, same thing when speakers sometimes end sentences with "avec"?

CécileNative French expert teacher in Kwiziq

Hi Sean, 

Can't think of any examples but I suppose it could be true...The order of words is often changed in literature for stylistic effect. I am listening to 'La Peste'   by Camus at the moment on Audible ( very apt!) and sometimes I have to replay passages for that very reason as you get a better understanding when reading such passages than listening to them...

S. B. asked:View original

ils peuvent me laisser languir des heures durant

What does "durant" mean exactly in this sentence?  Why would it not be "durantes"?

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