Les compléments d’objet direct

Les compléments d’objet direct

Similar to English, we use direct object pronouns, les compléments d’objet direct, to replace chunks of information after we have established what it is that we are talking about. We do this in order to avoid repetition in speech and in writing.

It is crucial to remember that the verb determines the article that follows and it dictates the pronoun that replaces the chunk of information in the sentence once that information has been identified.

When we are replacing le, la, or les + noun in a sentence, we will replace the whole phrase with the correct complément d’objet direct before verbs of preference and other verbs that take a direct object.

• To use les compléments d’objet direct, remember to conjugate the verb based on the person doing the action just like always. Then, place the pronoun in front of the conjugated verb in a one-verb phrase.
  • Je t’aime.
• If you have a two-verb phrase (one verb conjugated, the other in the infinitive) in the present or futur proche tense, you can place the pronoun directly between the verbs.
  • Elle veut m’aider.
• In the passé composé past tense which we will learn later, it will come before the conjugated être or avoir.
  • Ils l’ont vu.