Using possessive pronouns versus using etre a

KellyA1Kwiziq 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.
Asked 3 years ago
ChrisC1 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

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.

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