In traditional standard French orthography, what is the plural form of the compound noun 'un gratte-ciel' (skyscraper)?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: C. Des gratte-ciel
In traditional French grammar, compound nouns formed of a verb ('gratter') and an invariable object noun keep the verb uninflected, and 'ciel' remains singular because the building scrapes the single sky: 'des gratte-ciel' (though the 1990 orthographic reform also accepts 'gratte-ciels').
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