Avoir vs. être used in phases of late or early

D. T.B1Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor

Avoir vs. être used in phases of late or early

Would there be a difference in meaning between using avoir vs. ètre when saying I’m late/early?  The English translations show the exact meaning. So is it ok if someone were to use ONLY avoir OR être? 

Asked 3 years ago
Chris W.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor Correct answer

 

Je suis en retard de 10 minutes.
J'ai dix minutes de retard.

The two versions are interchangeable in French as well.

Jim J.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor

Hi D,

Do we want to express the situation as a "measure" or as a "state" ahead of or behind the scheduled time?

To express the "measure" we use "avoir" or to express the "state" we use "être"

This is how I understand the two methods  --  hope it helps.

Jim

D. T. asked:

Avoir vs. être used in phases of late or early

Would there be a difference in meaning between using avoir vs. ètre when saying I’m late/early?  The English translations show the exact meaning. So is it ok if someone were to use ONLY avoir OR être? 

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!