In this phrase is 'déjeuner' a verb or a noun?

Question

In the phrase 'vous receviez des amis à déjeuner' is 'déjeuner' a verb or a noun?

Céline Pickard · Accepted Answer

Bonjour Tom,
This is a very interesting question. If 'déjeuner' is a noun then the preposition would be 'au' (à+le) / 'pour + le'. If 'déjeuner' is a verb, then the preposition would be 'à / pour'.

Je reçois un amis à/pour déjeuner -> Je reçois un ami à dîner -> verb
Je reçois un ami au / pour le déjeuner -> a noun

I hope this is helpful.
Bonne journée !

Jim Jones · Answer

Hi Tom,There is a situation in French grammar referred to as "zero article".The construction "noun + à + noun"   but I am unable to find any detailed grammar reference.This so-called zero-article construction would fit the situation that you are querying  --  "amis à déjeuner"  in English it is simply "having friends to lunch".So I am of the opinion that "déjeuner" is a noun, but I look forward to a comment from one of the resident experts.https://forum.wordreference.com/threads/fr-no-article-before-nouns.1012112/Also, try the link in particular Maître CapelloJim