Status of indirect objects

Andreas N.B2Kwiziq community member

Status of indirect objects

I'm a bit confused about the status of indirect objects as described in this lesson (and in the video). To my knowledge of English grammar, in "I speak to Paul", "to Paul" is a prepositional phrase and not a preposition (to) + an indirect object (Paul). Also, as far as I know indirect objects cannot occur without the presence of direct objects. 

Can I instead just memorize that you use the pronouns "lui" and "leur" only with verbs that are normally followed by "à"? 

Asked 3 years ago
CélineNative French expert teacher in KwiziqCorrect answer

Bonjour Andreas,

Maarten's contribution is excellent! Here are two more links to Kwiziq's explanation on object pronouns and on indirect object pronouns

I hope this is helpful.

Bonne journée !

Maarten K.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor
https://www.lawlessfrench.com/grammar/indirect-objects/

It goes a bit further than that, as per the attached.  And there are verb constructs followed by à that do not take a preceding indirect object pronoun. 

Status of indirect objects

I'm a bit confused about the status of indirect objects as described in this lesson (and in the video). To my knowledge of English grammar, in "I speak to Paul", "to Paul" is a prepositional phrase and not a preposition (to) + an indirect object (Paul). Also, as far as I know indirect objects cannot occur without the presence of direct objects. 

Can I instead just memorize that you use the pronouns "lui" and "leur" only with verbs that are normally followed by "à"? 

Sign in to submit your answer

Don't have an account yet? Join today

Ask a question

Find your French level for FREE

Test your French to the CEFR standard

Find your French level
Let me take a look at that...