Language/French/Grammar/Position-of-direct-and-indirect-object-pronouns
Rule
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
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?
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