conduite vs conduire

Carole G.C1Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor

conduite vs conduire

In this sentence: Vous comparaissez devant le tribunal pour conduite en état d'ivresse

why is it not "pour conduire"

Thank you.  

Asked 6 years ago
Chris W.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor

"Conduite" is a noun : the conduct. It is not the participle of conduire even if they look the same. 

Alan G.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor
It's a noun, but in this context it means "driving" rather than "conduct".
AurélieNative French expert teacher in Kwiziq

Bonjour Alan !

Yes here it's the colloquial judicial expression : "la conduite en état d'ivresse" = driving under the influence.

Don't forget that in English the -ing form of a verb can often be used as a noun (his driving is quite chaotic).

Bonne journée !

Alan G.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor
In French there seems to be a similar pattern - the feminine past participle can often be used as a noun, as in this case.
Dr Michael E.C1Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor

Bonjour Carole, the noun in French for driving is « la conduite ».  The sentence says ....for driving under the influence of alcohol.

If you wanted to say the similar idea using the verb conduire, it would use the past participle:  ....  pour avoir conduit en état d’ivresse; meaning for having driven under the influence of alcohol.

Tu comprends ces explications?  Sinon, écris-moi et j’essayerai de le mieux expliquer.  Bonne journée. 

Carole G. asked:

conduite vs conduire

In this sentence: Vous comparaissez devant le tribunal pour conduite en état d'ivresse

why is it not "pour conduire"

Thank you.  

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