French Phrase
Laisse un peu de place aux autres pour qu'ils fassent de l'exercice.
Meaning
This phrase is a polite but firm way to ask someone to share a physical space, such as in a gym or a park. It highlights the importance of communal access to fitness facilities and uses the subjunctive mood to express purpose.
When to use
This sentence is most appropriate in shared environments like weight rooms, yoga studios, or public tracks when someone is inadvertently blocking others. It is useful for maintaining social harmony in active settings.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Laisseun peu deplaceaux autrespour qu'ils fassentde l'exercice
Laisse (Impératif)
The imperative form of 'laisser' used for giving directions or commands to a single person informally.
Le Subjonctif
The verb 'faire' becomes 'fassent' because 'pour que' always triggers the subjunctive mood to indicate intent.
Aux autres
A contraction of 'à' + 'les', used here to indicate the people who should benefit from the space.
🗨In Conversation
Je vais faire mes étirements en plein milieu du passage.
I'm going to do my stretches right in the middle of the walkway.
Laisse un peu de place aux autres pour qu'ils fassent de l'exercice.
Leave a bit of room for others so that they can exercise.
✕Common Mistakes
Laisse un peu de place aux autres pour qu'ils font de l'exercice.
The conjunction 'pour que' requires the subjunctive mood ('fassent') rather than the indicative ('font').
Laisse un peu de place aux autres pour faire de l'exercice.
While grammatically possible, using 'pour faire' implies the person leaving the space is the one exercising, not the others.
↔Alternatives
Fais de la place pour les autres.
Make some room for others.
Pousse-toi un peu pour que les autres puissent passer.
Move over a bit so others can pass.
Cultural Tip
In French culture, sharing equipment or space in a gym is expected, and it is common to ask 'On peut tourner ?' to take turns. Using the subjunctive in this phrase shows a sophisticated level of social awareness and politeness.