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rester in literary & formal French

« rester » — jump to your level:A1A2B1B2C1C2Native

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.
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