Language/French/Grammar/Position-of-direct-and-indirect-object-pronouns
Rule[edit | edit source]
Direct and indirect object pronouns are closely linked with the verb to which they are most closely related in declarative, negative and interrogative sentences.
Examples[edit | edit source]
When the verb is a main verb they appear immediately before it:
| French | English |
|---|---|
| L'Etat me paie | The state pays me |
| Les gens ne me remarquent pas | People don't notice me |
| Elle le croit | She believes it |
| A son âge, vous ne la referez pas | You won't change her, at her age |
| Il lui a soufflé quelques mots | He whispered a few words to her |
| Tu me donnes une idée | You've given me an idea |
| Ça leur apprendra à mentir | That will teach them to lie |
When the verb is accompanied by the auxiliary verbs avoir or être, direct and indirect object pronouns appear immediately before the auxiliary:
| French | English |
|---|---|
| Il m'a vu | He saiv me |
| M'a-t-il vu? | Did he see me? |
| Vous ne les avez pas goûtés? | Didn't you taste them? |
| Il lui avait proposé un voyage | He had suggested a trip to her |
| Je vous suis très reconnaissant | I am very grateful to you |
- Il leur a raconté beaucoup d'histoires passionnantes
He told them a lot of fascinating stories
- Nous l'avons déjà traduite, cette lettre
We have already translated this letter
NB: The past participle agrees with a preceding direct object in these cases, but not with the indirect object.
Note also that pronouns ending in -e (me, te, se, le) and -a (la) are shortened to the consonant alone before verbs beginning with a vowel: elle m'aide, je t'ai déjà remercié, je te l'ai dit, etc.
Video: Ask a French Teacher - When Do I Use Direct Object and Indirect Object Pronouns in French?[edit | edit source]
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