Sa mère et moi l'avons seulement assistée avec les démarches administratives.

Brian E.C1Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor

Sa mère et moi l'avons seulement assistée avec les démarches administratives.

“Sa mère et moi l'avons seulement assistée avec les démarches administratives.”. Hi, ”sa mère” (mother is female) “et moi” (“moi” is the father, who is male) “avons assistée” (first-person plural passé composé). We have a mixture of male and female forming the “we”, so should the past participle be “assisté” and not “assistée”? Thanks. 

Asked 2 years ago
Jim J.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor Correct answer

Hi Brian,

What does l'avons represent?   I'm thinking "her" and the "la" restricted because of the following vowel represents the direct object.

So we have the direct object before the verb, therefore, concordance with the past participle assistée.

Jim

Chris W.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor Correct answer

Jim's right: the point is the COD, which is the l' in l'avons. If the person receiving the assistance is female, then you need assistée.

Brian E.C1Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor

Ahh, yes. Thanks Jim & Chris. 

Sa mère et moi l'avons seulement assistée avec les démarches administratives.

“Sa mère et moi l'avons seulement assistée avec les démarches administratives.”. Hi, ”sa mère” (mother is female) “et moi” (“moi” is the father, who is male) “avons assistée” (first-person plural passé composé). We have a mixture of male and female forming the “we”, so should the past participle be “assisté” and not “assistée”? Thanks. 

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