ils lui ont donné leur nom. (Exercise: Un vol en montgolfière)

Andrea N.B2Kwiziq community member

ils lui ont donné leur nom. (Exercise: Un vol en montgolfière)

Hi Jim,

Thanks very much for your response.  My query was based on my understanding that, 'lui' referred to their invention- the hot air balloon, which is inanimate. Further clarification would be welcome.

Asked 2 years ago
CélineNative French expert teacher in KwiziqCorrect answer

Bonjour Andrea,

Both Chris and Jim are right! In this case, "la montgolfière" is being referred to as "lui / her" as they explained why above. Also, in this case, the fact that the expression "donner quelque chose à quelqu'un" (i.e "donner leur nom à la montgolfière") is used makes the hot air balloon an "animate object".  

I hope this is helpful.

Bonne journée !

Jim J.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor

Salut de nouveau Andrea,

"Rules are there to be broken" The purist will say "no". The pragmatist will say "maybe".

I guess you will have noticed that the English conjunction "and" is sometimes used to start a sentence -- Quelle horreur!

I have heard a motor car and aircraft being referred to as "she".

Et voilà  --  c'est la vie.

Bonne journée

Jim

 

Chris W.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor

And a common phrase in the US at the gas station is to say "Fill'er up!", meaning "Fill her up" with reference to the car.

ils lui ont donné leur nom. (Exercise: Un vol en montgolfière)

Hi Jim,

Thanks very much for your response.  My query was based on my understanding that, 'lui' referred to their invention- the hot air balloon, which is inanimate. Further clarification would be welcome.

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