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Is the use of "on" or "nous" purely a matter of choice? How do I know when to use "on" or "nous," if not specified.

adrienne h.C1Kwiziq community member

Is the use of "on" or "nous" purely a matter of choice? How do I know when to use "on" or "nous," if not specified.

This question relates to:French writing exercise "At the amusement park"

Freeform Writing Exercise B1

Asked 6 years ago
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Chris W.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor Correct answer
The use of "on" meaning "we" is mostly a choice of register. In colloquial and everyday French, you hear "on" more often then "nous". However, if you use "on" in its meaning of an impersonal "one" then there is no alternative.
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adrienne h. asked:

Is the use of "on" or "nous" purely a matter of choice? How do I know when to use "on" or "nous," if not specified.

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