Lock in our old prices!
Your last chance to upgrade at these rates »

dont or ou

chris w.C1Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor

dont or ou

Le film, ________ l'acteur principal est Jean Dujardin, a gagné un Oscar.  Why can this not be 'ou' (accented of course) rather than dont?. It seems to work grammatically.
Asked 3 years ago
Jim J.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor Correct answer

Hi Chris,

Yes!   It (where) probably would work in English, but in french we need to express "of whom" The film "of whom / of which" the actor .....

This is why "dont" is the most appropriate.

This is how I see it   --  hope it helps.

Jim.

Chris W.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor

is a spatial or temporal preposition (where, when). As Jim says, in the example you inquire about, you are looking for a possessive construction (of which).

dont or ou

Le film, ________ l'acteur principal est Jean Dujardin, a gagné un Oscar.  Why can this not be 'ou' (accented of course) rather than dont?. It seems to work grammatically.

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!