What is the purpose of “de” in...

BrianC1Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor

What is the purpose of “de” in...

...“et de lui acheter”. It seems to function like “et en lui acheter”, but for some reason “de” is the correct choice here. 

Asked 3 years ago
MaartenC1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor Correct answer

Fixed expression 'avoir l'intention de ' - fixed expressions are often best learnt as such rather than necessarily attempting word for word translation.

In this case:

"J'ai l'intention de le gater et .... de lui acheter .... "   - "I intend/mean to spoil him and ... buy him (des bonbons)...". The 'de' needs to be repeated before each infinitive that forms part of the statement 'avoir l'intention de'.

I don't think 'en' would fit here even without the need for 'de'- at this stage of the story, the 'them' she plans to buy 'some of' is not known

ChrisC1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor

It comes from: j'ai l'intention de le gâter et de lui acheter des bonbons.

So, it belongs to the phrase avoir l'intention de...

MaartenC1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor

Chris and I strike again at the same moment!

BrianC1Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor

Ahhh - great explanations - thanks to both of you :)

What is the purpose of “de” in...

...“et de lui acheter”. It seems to function like “et en lui acheter”, but for some reason “de” is the correct choice here. 

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
Clever stuff happening!