très au sérieux

Question

Could someone comment on the function of “au” in “très au sérieux”? It is optional? In which other circumstances might we see a similar thing?

Accepted Answer

Hi Brian, 
The expression 'au sérieux' is idiomatic and means 'seriously'.
Take a look at the last section (locution adverbiale = adverbial phrase) of this Larousse page -
https://www.larousse.fr/dictionnaires/francais-anglais/s%C3%A9rieux/71481
Bonne Continuation !

Answer

Bonjour Brian,Here is an entry copied from Larousse under "prendre":*Recevoir quelque chose, l'accepter, l'entendre, l'interpréter de telle manière : "Il prend tout au tragique."So it seems to be an idiomatic usage of prendre: "prendre quelque chose a/ prendre quelqu'un a"Hope this helps!Bonne continuation !

Answer

Prendre qqc à qqn -- to take something from someoneVous prenez tout au sérieux. -- You are taking everything seriously. (lit.: You take everything from the serious).