French Phrase
Ils sont couverts de poussière.
Meaning
This phrase describes subjects that have accumulated a layer of dust over time. It utilizes the passive state construction where the past participle 'couverts' functions as an adjective describing the plural subject 'Ils'.
When to use
Use this phrase when cleaning an old room, exploring an attic, or describing objects that haven't been touched in a long time. It is suitable for both formal descriptions and casual observations.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Ilssontcouvertsdepoussière
Être (sont)
The verb 'être' is used here in the third person plural to describe a state or condition.
Agreement
The past participle 'couverts' takes an 's' to agree with the masculine plural subject 'Ils'.
Preposition 'de'
In French, verbs expressing a state of being filled or covered usually take 'de' rather than 'avec' or 'par'.
🗨In Conversation
Regarde ces vieux cartons dans le garage.
Look at these old boxes in the garage.
Ils sont couverts de poussière.
They are covered in dust.
✕Common Mistakes
Ils sont couverts par poussière.
With verbs of state like 'couvert', the preposition 'de' is used instead of 'par' to indicate the substance.
Ils sont couvert de poussière.
The past participle must agree in number with the plural subject 'Ils', so it needs an 's'.
↔Alternatives
Ils sont tout poussiéreux.
They are all dusty.
Il y a de la poussière partout sur eux.
There is dust all over them.
Cultural Tip
In French culture, maintaining a clean home is a point of pride, and 'la poussière' is often the enemy during 'le ménage de printemps' (spring cleaning). Note that 'Ils' can refer to a group of objects or a group of people/animals.