"J'ai tenu une conversation en française". Is this a correct use of tenir?

Stewart H.C1Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor

"J'ai tenu une conversation en française". Is this a correct use of tenir?

This question relates to:French lesson "Conjugate tenir and derivatives (+avoir) in the French compound past (Le Passé Composé)"

Asked 7 years ago

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CécileNative French expert teacher in KwiziqCorrect answer

Hi Stewart,

Indeed you can use the verb 'tenir' ( une conversation) for to conduct, carry on or maintain a conversation or just to converse.

J'arrive à tenir une conversation en français. = I am able to conduct a conversation in French.

Hope this helps!

Like16 years ago

Ron T.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor

Bonjour Stewart, While the literal translation is I held a conversation in French, I do not find a similar phrase in the Collins-Robert using tenir. Perhaps there is an idiomatic expression that uses tenir. French like English has many different ways to say the same or similar phrases so I certainly would not rule out the use of tenir. Ron

Like07 years ago

Stewart H.C1Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor

Thanks Ron ... could you please advise which verb I should use. Thank you Stewart

Like07 years ago

Ron T.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor

The choice of verb depends on the context of the conversation being held. Scenario 1: you are leading a discussion or conversation in a group then: J'ai mené la discussion ou conversation du groupe. Scenario 2: one is just in a common conversation Nous avons fait une conversation en ce qui concerne mon patron. Nous avons eu une conversation. It is also possible that there are French idioms that mean the same thing. Bonne chance.

Like07 years ago

Stewart H.C1Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor

Thank you

Like07 years ago

Ron T.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor

Je vous en prie.

Like07 years ago

Stewart H.C1Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor

Brilliant! Thank you

Like06 years ago

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