très au sérieux

Brian E.C1Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor

très au sérieux

Could someone comment on the function of “au” in “très au sérieux”? It is optional? In which other circumstances might we see a similar thing?

Asked 2 years ago
CécileNative French expert teacher in KwiziqCorrect answer

Hi Brian, 

The expression 'au sérieux' is idiomatic and means 'seriously'.

Take a look at the last section (locution adverbiale = adverbial phrase) of this Larousse page -

https://www.larousse.fr/dictionnaires/francais-anglais/s%C3%A9rieux/71481

Bonne Continuation !

 

N. Hilary (Shamrockhill) W.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor

Bonjour Brian,

Here is an entry copied from Larousse under "prendre":

*Recevoir quelque chose, l'accepter, l'entendre, l'interpréter de telle manière : "Il prend tout au tragique."

So it seems to be an idiomatic usage of prendre: "prendre quelque chose a/ prendre quelqu'un a"

Hope this helps!

Bonne continuation !

Chris W.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor

Prendre qqc à qqn -- to take something from someone

Vous prenez tout au sérieux. -- You are taking everything seriously. (lit.: You take everything from the serious).

très au sérieux

Could someone comment on the function of “au” in “très au sérieux”? It is optional? In which other circumstances might we see a similar thing?

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