French Phrase
Comment empêcher que les objets bougent ?
Meaning
This question asks for a method or technique to stop objects from moving. It is often used in technical, scientific, or everyday contexts where stability is required.
When to use
Use this phrase when you need to ask for instructions, tips, or explanations about keeping items stationary – for example, in a workshop, a software UI, a physics experiment, or when arranging furniture.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Commentempêcherqueles objetsbougent?
empêcher que + subjonctif
After the conjunction que, the verb must be in the present subjunctive because the sentence expresses a desired prevention.
les objets (plural noun)
‘les objets’ is a plural noun phrase; any adjective or article must agree in number and gender.
bougent (subjunctif présent)
The verb ‘bouger’ is conjugated in the present subjunctive: je bouge, tu bouges, il/elle bouge, nous bougions, vous bougiez, ils/elles bougent.
🗨In Conversation
Comment empêcher que les objets bougent ?
How can we prevent the objects from moving?
Il faut les fixer avec des serre‑câbles ou augmenter le frottement du support.
You need to secure them with zip‑ties or increase the friction of the surface.
✕Common Mistakes
Comment empêcher les objets de bouger ?
While grammatically correct, learners often mix this structure with ‘empêcher que’, leading to redundancy. Choose one construction and keep the verb form consistent.
Comment empêcher que les objets bouge ?
Using the indicative ‘bouge’ after ‘que’ is wrong because the clause expresses a desired prevention, which requires the subjunctive.
Comment empêcher que les objets bougent pas ?
Double negation is unnecessary; the negative meaning is already conveyed by ‘empêcher que’. Use either the subjunctive without ‘pas’ or the alternative construction with ‘ne … pas’.
↔Alternatives
Comment faire en sorte que les objets ne bougent pas ?
How to make sure the objects don’t move?
Comment éviter que les objets se déplacent ?
How to avoid the objects from shifting?
Quelle méthode utiliser pour que les objets restent immobiles ?
Which method to use so the objects stay still?
Cultural Tip
In French, the construction ‘empêcher que + subjonctif’ is considered more formal than the alternative ‘empêcher les objets de bouger’. Both are correct, but the subjunctive form is preferred in written instructions and formal speech. Also, avoid using the indicative after ‘empêcher que’, as it changes the meaning to a factual statement rather than a preventive request.