can you explain why "je lui en achèterai un..." is using "lui" when "acheter" isn't usually followed by "à" ?

James W.C1Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor

can you explain why "je lui en achèterai un..." is using "lui" when "acheter" isn't usually followed by "à" ?

Asked 3 years ago
Maarten K.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor Correct answer

Because it is “acheter qqc (à qqn)”. 

https://www.lawlessfrench.com/grammar/verbs-with-a/

Chris W.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor

To complement Maarten's answer with an example:

J'acheterai ce livre à mon frère. -- I am buying this book for my brother.
Je lui acheterai ce livre. -- I am buying this book for him.

James W. asked:

can you explain why "je lui en achèterai un..." is using "lui" when "acheter" isn't usually followed by "à" ?

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