Avoir vs. être used in phases of late or early

D. T.B1Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor

Avoir vs. être used in phases of late or early

Would there be a difference in meaning between using avoir vs. ètre when saying I’m late/early?  The English translations show the exact meaning. So is it ok if someone were to use ONLY avoir OR être? 

Asked 2 years ago
Chris W.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor Correct answer

 

Je suis en retard de 10 minutes.
J'ai dix minutes de retard.

The two versions are interchangeable in French as well.

Jim J.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor

Hi D,

Do we want to express the situation as a "measure" or as a "state" ahead of or behind the scheduled time?

To express the "measure" we use "avoir" or to express the "state" we use "être"

This is how I understand the two methods  --  hope it helps.

Jim

D. T. asked:View original

Avoir vs. être used in phases of late or early

Would there be a difference in meaning between using avoir vs. ètre when saying I’m late/early?  The English translations show the exact meaning. So is it ok if someone were to use ONLY avoir OR être? 

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