Elles sont restées à les regarder une dizaine de minutes

James W.C1Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor

Elles sont restées à les regarder une dizaine de minutes

A similar question has been asked but I dont understand why "à" is needed when "regarder" means "to watch"? So why is the extra "à" needed? I couldn't find anything that says "rester" is followed by "à" anywhere?

Asked 3 years ago
CélineKwiziq team memberCorrect answer

Bonjour James,

- When "rester" is followed by the preposition à and an infinitive, it can be used to express that something still needs to be accomplished or considered.

Le loyer reste à payer the rent remains to be paid

Il ne me reste plus qu'à finir la vaisselle = all I have left to do is to finish the washing-up

 - When "rester" is followed by the preposition à and an infinitive, it can be used to express that you are taking some time to do something - like in the example from the question above

Marc reste des heures à rêvasser Marc spends hours daydreaming

Julie reste là à ne rien faire = Julie stands there doing nothing

I hope this is helpful.

Bonne journée !

Alan G.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor

The examples that Céline gives seem to be a bit different from the one James asked about. Maybe this discussion will be helpful:

https://forum.wordreference.com/threads/rester-%C3%A0-infinitif.869180/

At the end there is the suggestion that "rester à regarder ... signifient continuer une action déjà en cours." So they didn't stay in order to watch them, but continued to watch them. 

CélineKwiziq team member

Bonjour Alan,

I have updated my answer so as to include examples matching the question.

Bonne journée !

Alan G.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor

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Elles sont restées à les regarder une dizaine de minutes

A similar question has been asked but I dont understand why "à" is needed when "regarder" means "to watch"? So why is the extra "à" needed? I couldn't find anything that says "rester" is followed by "à" anywhere?

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