bon vs bonnes

Eve B.A2KwizIQ community member

bon vs bonnes

"Elles sentent bonnes" is incorrect, why can't you change bon is this setting? Thanks :)

Asked 6 years ago
Cécile J.A1KwizIQ Q&A super contributorCorrect answer

Hi Eve,

In this case, 'bon', acts as an adverb, not an adjective and doesn't agree with the subject.

You could say for instance -

Ces fleurs ont une bonne odeur. 

but it is more French to say -

Elle sentent bon ( ou mauvais) = They smell good ( or bad) 

Hope this helps!

Jean d.C1KwizIQ Q&A regular contributor

Would love to see this noted in the lesson.

Cécile J.A1KwizIQ Q&A super contributor

Hi Jean, 

This is already mentioned in the lesson -

Note that, in the specific case of sentir, even though bon and mauvais are adjectives, these are fixed expressions, so bon and mauvais NEVER change (no agreement).

Eve B. asked:

bon vs bonnes

"Elles sentent bonnes" is incorrect, why can't you change bon is this setting? Thanks :)

Sign in to submit your answer

Don't have an account yet? Join today

Ask a question

Find your French level for FREE

And get your personalised Study Plan to improve it

Find your French level
Thinking...