Lesson Summary: French Direct Object Pronouns

Objective

This is a class note summarizing a French lesson on Direct Object Pronouns—what they are, how to use them, and their forms in French.

What is a Direct Object Pronoun?

• A direct object is the noun directly affected by the verb (answers the question “verb what?”).
  • Example: “He mailed the letter.” (What did he mail? The letter = direct object)
  • Can refer to people or things.
• A direct object pronoun replaces the direct object noun to avoid repetition.
  • Example: “Where is my pencil? I have it.” (“It” replaces “pencil”)
  • Plural: “Where are my keys? She has them.” (“Them” replaces “keys”)

French Direct Object Pronouns

| | Singular | Plural | ||-|--| | 1st | me (me) | nous (us) | | 2nd | te (you, singular) | vous (you, plural/respectful) | | 3rd | le (him/it, masc.)<br>la (her/it, fem.) | les (them) |

Notes:

• le or la depend on the gender of the noun.
  • “le” for masculine or “him”
  • “la” for feminine or “her”
• les is used for both masculine/feminine plural objects or people.

Placement of Pronoun in French Sentences

• Direct object pronouns are placed before the verb in French.
  • English: She knows me.
  • French: Elle me connaît. (“She me knows.”)
• Examples:
  • She knows me: Elle me connaît.
  • I see you: Je te vois.
  • I know him: Je le connais.
  • I know her: Je la connais.
  • They see us: Ils nous voient.
  • We see you: Nous vous voyons.
  • I see them: Je les vois.

Special Rule: Elision Before Vowel or Silent “h”

• When the pronoun (me, te, le, la) is in front of a verb beginning with a vowel or silent “h”, they become:
  • m’, t’, l’
• Drop the final -e or -a and use an apostrophe.
  • She’s waiting for me: Elle m’attend.
  • We’re waiting for you: Nous t’attendons.
  • I have it (masc. or fem. object before a vowel): Je l’ai.

Tips for Practice

• Try creating your own sentences using new verbs and practice the placement.
• Remember: French pronouns go before the verb!

Additional Resources

• Listen and practice with the Language Tutor French Podcast
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Reminders

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Closing

With practice, using direct object pronouns will become easier. Bonne chance et à bientôt!