Using possessive pronouns versus using etre a

Kelly H.A1Kwiziq community member

Using possessive pronouns versus using etre a

Is there a difference between using

etre a + moi/toi/lui/...

and

possessive pronous?

Or could they be used interchangeably? Are there certain situations in which one would be better than the other?

For example:

Ces lunettes de soleil ne sont pas les siennes.

Those sunglasses are not his.Would it also be appropriate to say: Ces lunettes de soleil ne sont pas à eux.

This question relates to:French lesson "Le mien/le tien/le sien/etc = Mine/yours/his/hers/its (French Possessive Pronouns)"

Asked 4 years ago

Like0Answer1

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

Yes, you can use that construction, too:

Ces lunettes ne sont pas les siennes. -- Ces lunettes ne sont pas à lui (or à elle).
Ces lunettes ne sont pas les leurs. -- Ces lunettes ne sont pas à eux/ à elles

Like14 years ago

Kelly H. asked: