Au fil des siècles, on est ________ des prédateurs. Why is the answer " resté "

stephen w.C1Kwiziq community member

Au fil des siècles, on est ________ des prédateurs. Why is the answer " resté "

and not " restés ", "On" in this question implies that "we" the humans, which is plural.
Asked 6 years ago
Chris W.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor Correct answer

Yes, but unless it is a personal "we" (as in me, my wife and the kids) you don't use the plural. 

 

On est allés en vacances. -- We went on vacation. 

On est allé à la lune. -- We went to the moon (we=humanity. )

 

-- Chis (not a native speaker). 

Almut H.C1Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor
I believe I understand the general principle. However, in the sentence given by stephen it seems contradictory to me that it then goes on with a plural "des prédateurs". To me this indicates that the "on" is a real plural and the participle should be "restés".
Chris W.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor

no matter, Almut. The impersonal "on" will always take the participle in singular to distinguish it from the more personal "on" meaning "we". 

Christine M.C1Kwiziq community member

P

stephen w. asked:

Au fil des siècles, on est ________ des prédateurs. Why is the answer " resté "

and not " restés ", "On" in this question implies that "we" the humans, which is plural.

Sign in to submit your answer

Don't have an account yet? Join today

Ask a question

Find your French level for FREE

Test your French to the CEFR standard

Find your French level
Clever stuff happening!