rester in literary & formal French
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Remaining, in the formal sense.
Rester in formal French
Formal French uses il n’en reste pas moins que — the fact remains that — to concede a point and then push past it. It is a hallmark of argumentative writing and worth having ready for exams.
The verb also appears formally as demeurer, which is more literary and can mean both to remain and to reside: « il demeure à Lyon ». Recognise it; use rester yourself.
💡 Focus at this level: Literary & formal
👨🏫 How to use « rester » at this level
1. « Il n’en reste pas moins que » concedes then counters.
2. « Demeurer » is the literary twin. Read it, don’t force it.
3. Recognise « il resta ». Past historic.
Il n’en reste pas moins que c’est risqué.The fact remains that it’s risky.
Il demeure à Lyon.He resides in Lyon.
Elle resta silencieuse.She remained silent.
La question reste posée.The question remains open.
🎮 Practise « rester »
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