Use of "en"

MartinB1Kwiziq community member

Use of "en"

I don't really understand why "en" is used in this example, even after having reviewed the lesson you mention. Where does "de" come into it? "If I had a house", for example, would be "Si j'avais une maison" - not "Si j'en avais une maison, surely? In this case, the use of "en" seems to be rather random!
This question relates to:French lesson "Conjugate avoir in the conditional present in French (Le Conditionnel Présent)"
Asked 6 years ago
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AurélieKwiziq team memberCorrect answer
Bonjour Martin !

Here it's because the full expression would be "avoir les moyens de [faire quelque chose]" = to have the means to [do something].

I hope that's helpful!
À bientôt !
Like16 years ago
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AurélieKwiziq team member
Bonjour Martin ! Could you please send me the sentence you're referring to? I'd be happy to assist :) À bientôt !
Like06 years ago
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MartinB1Kwiziq community member
Merci Aurélie. The sentence is : "J'aurais une grande maison si j'en avais les moyens." I understand the use of "en" where "de..." occurs before, but that doesn't appear to be the case here. Cordialement - Martin
Like06 years ago
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Martin asked:View original

Use of "en"

I don't really understand why "en" is used in this example, even after having reviewed the lesson you mention. Where does "de" come into it? "If I had a house", for example, would be "Si j'avais une maison" - not "Si j'en avais une maison, surely? In this case, the use of "en" seems to be rather random!

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