A few observations...

Marie V.C1Kwiziq community member

A few observations...

Personally, I think "quelques chevaux" is perfectly alright to say, whereas  "un couple de chevaux" might be a little closer to "a pair of horses"?

But certainly, "quelques chevaux" is not wrong?  Maybe using "couple" here is English creeping into the language? or even French Canadian? 

Also "clôture" could be used instead of "barrière".  I hear people saying "J'ai hâte de (faire ceci et cela)" all the time, in the sense "I am excited" (to do something),  but  I think one has be to be really careful and really sure of oneself before attempting "je suis excitée". And sure, maybe you could say a child or a dog is "surexcité" but would you say the L'homme est surexcité? Haha, not so sure about that! 

Asked 4 years ago
CélineNative French expert teacher in KwiziqCorrect answer

Bonjour Carol,

Thank you for your feedback! I am sorry it has taken so long to reply. 

The English for "un couple de chevaux" is now "a pair of horses", "clôture" is also now an option. As for "excitées" it is correct and doesn't sound strange in French (see Cécile's answer below), especially when talking about kids.

I hope this is helpful.

Bonne journée !

Chris W.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor

I think so too. I haven only come across un couple meaning a couple, as in a pair.

CélineNative French expert teacher in Kwiziq

Bonjour Carol,

See answer below

Marie V. asked:

A few observations...

Personally, I think "quelques chevaux" is perfectly alright to say, whereas  "un couple de chevaux" might be a little closer to "a pair of horses"?

But certainly, "quelques chevaux" is not wrong?  Maybe using "couple" here is English creeping into the language? or even French Canadian? 

Also "clôture" could be used instead of "barrière".  I hear people saying "J'ai hâte de (faire ceci et cela)" all the time, in the sense "I am excited" (to do something),  but  I think one has be to be really careful and really sure of oneself before attempting "je suis excitée". And sure, maybe you could say a child or a dog is "surexcité" but would you say the L'homme est surexcité? Haha, not so sure about that! 

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
Thinking...