French language Q&A Forum

Bonjour Madame Cécile !

The verb “éviter” as was asked in a quiz stated-

Oui, évitons-.......... une situation embarrassante !

(Yes, let’s avoid them an awkward situation !)

The accepted answer stated - leur as opposed to les (answered by me)

So is it that the correct expression is-

Éviter à quelqu’un -> To avoid someone ? (Indirect object pronouns)

And then about things, would one say-

Éviter quelque chose -> To avoid something ? (Direct Object Pronouns)

Merci pour votre réponse!

Cordialement, Shrey.

It is very disappointing that this lesson does not appear to have been modified to deal with the poor distinction over when to use le/la/l'/le with ne. ni. ni. The lesson clearly states "When using ni, you omit the article after ni, unless you're talking about general things and using le, la, l', les."  

Yet much of the discussion here has suggested the article should be used for the specific rather than the general. Better and more examples of when and how to use articles are needed - yet this has clearly been an issue for years.