Crossword puzzle : Detached constructions in French

Test your advanced knowledge of French grammar with this crossword focused on detached constructions — a hallmark of sophisticated, expressive French. From left-dislocation to appositions and hanging nominatives, these structures add emphasis and nuance to both written and spoken discourse. Can you identify the key terms and concepts that define this elegant grammatical phenomenon?

Clues

Across

1. 2. Always
2. 7. To be able
3. 8. To want
4. 9. Pitch pattern marking detachment

Down

1. 1. Rephrasing a prior utterance
2. 2. Fronting a topic element
3. 3. Detached circumstantial complement
4. 4. Moving element outside main clause
5. 5. To find
6. 6. First

Answers

Show the answers

Across

• 2. Always → toujours
• 7. To be able → pouvoir
• 8. To want → vouloir
• 9. Pitch pattern marking detachment → intonation

Down

• 1. Rephrasing a prior utterance → reformulation
• 2. Fronting a topic element → topicalisation
• 3. Detached circumstantial complement → circonstant
• 4. Moving element outside main clause → dislocation
• 5. To find → trouver
• 6. First → premier