They linked their tusks romantically--ils était relier leurs défenses romantiquement. My teacher says this is wrong...what corrections would you suggest? Merci!

they link = will be done with one verb form; linked = passé composé

Ils ont lié/relié leurs défenses romantiquement.

Sra (aka Mme)

Je propose :

"Ils unissaient leurs défenses de façon romantique."

In French, the verb "relier" means "to connect" or "to link," but it is typically used to refer to physical objects, not emotions. To express the idea of linking tusks romantically, you may want to use a different verb to convey the intended meaning more accurately.

One possible correction could be: "Ils ont entrelacé leurs défenses d'une manière romantique." This sentence suggests that they intertwined or interwove their tusks in a romantic way.

Another option could be: "Ils ont symboliquement uni leurs défenses avec une connotation romantique." This phrase implies that they symbolically united their tusks with a romantic connotation.

Remember that the choice of verb may vary depending on the exact meaning you wish to convey, and it's always a good idea to consult a native French speaker or your teacher for further guidance on appropriate word choices.