Louis et toi, Francis, vous êtes rencontrés il y a trois ans. Why not use avoir?

David C.B1Kwiziq community member

Louis et toi, Francis, vous êtes rencontrés il y a trois ans. Why not use avoir?

Louis et toi, Francis, vous êtes rencontrés il y a trois ans.


Why use être here instead of avoir?



Asked 4 years ago
CécileNative French expert teacher in KwiziqCorrect answer

Hi Sam,

As Chris says the verb 'to meet' is 'se rencontrer' in French and takes être like all reflexive verbs.

The reflexive pronoun 'vous' is implied and not required as Louis and Francis are mentioned and understanding is clear -

Louis and you Francis met three years ago.

Hope this helps!

Chris W.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor

Hm. I would have said ...vous vous êtes rencontrés...., i.e., use the reflexive form which requires être. That's a case for Cécile.

Valerie O.C1Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor

I'm glad I reviewed these questions/answers. I too did not read this as the use of the reflexive se rencontrer, but that Kwiz erred using etre instead of avoir. Perhaps this is one of those times that there should be an explanation of the "implication" as part of the written lesson. I'm quite sure there are others either getting the answer wrong or merely terribly confused. 

David C. asked:

Louis et toi, Francis, vous êtes rencontrés il y a trois ans. Why not use avoir?

Louis et toi, Francis, vous êtes rencontrés il y a trois ans.


Why use être here instead of avoir?



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