je me mets a frissonner

chris w.C1Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor

je me mets a frissonner

I have not come across this use of mettre before. Is it commonly used to express physical or other feelings? 'I put on shivers'

Asked 2 days ago
CélineKwiziq Native French TeacherCorrect answer

Bonjour Chris,

Yes, it is a very useful and common expression in French:

Je me mets au travail tout de suite.I am starting work right away.
Je me suis mis à pleurer en lisant sa lettre. I started crying while reading his/her letter.
Il s'est mis à neiger. = It started to snow.

Take a look at one of our partner's sites for more details:

mettre

 

I hope this is helpful.

Bonne journée !

Maarten K.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor

Chris, 

just to add  - the verb form is ‘ se mettre à ‘ and yes, it is commonly used in writing and in everyday speech as well.  

A couple of relevant definitions from Larousse. : 

2. Commencer à être dans tel état, commencer une action : Se mettre en colère. Mettons-nous en route. Se mettre au travail. Il s'est enfin mis aux mathématiques.

3. Commencer soudainement à : Il s'est mis à pleuvoir.

See links for further description

 https://www.larousse.fr/dictionnaires/francais/mettre/51048#locution

 https://www.wordreference.com/fren/se%20mettre 

chris w. asked:

je me mets a frissonner

I have not come across this use of mettre before. Is it commonly used to express physical or other feelings? 'I put on shivers'

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