Singular subject pronoun or plural subject pronoun

William C.C1Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor

Singular subject pronoun or plural subject pronoun

Ils ________ demeuré à la campagne l'été dernier.They stayed in the countryside last summer.

For me, it is obvious that you should use "avoir" as "demeuré" does not agree in number with "ils". Perhaps if the subject pronoun were singular more care and thought would be required in deciding whether the verb is "être" or "avoir". Just a thought!

Asked 5 years ago
Chris W.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor

Good point. There sometimes are those "hidden hints" if you know where to look :)

Note, that the usual justification whether to use être (intransitive verb) or avoir (transitive verb) doesn't work for demeurer.

Singular subject pronoun or plural subject pronoun

Ils ________ demeuré à la campagne l'été dernier.They stayed in the countryside last summer.

For me, it is obvious that you should use "avoir" as "demeuré" does not agree in number with "ils". Perhaps if the subject pronoun were singular more care and thought would be required in deciding whether the verb is "être" or "avoir". Just a thought!

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