When se souvenir isn't followed by de

Tom A.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor

When se souvenir isn't followed by de

I notice 'je me souviens écouter' is preferred over 'je me souviens d'écouter'. Is there any thinking on when you would use the 'de' and when not ?

Asked 3 years ago
Chris W.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor Correct answer

When se souvenir is followed by an infinitive, you omit the de.

I think the corresponding lesson should include usage of both souvenir and rappeler with an infinitive. This is notably lacking of the lesson as it is now.

Alan G.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor

I'm quite surprised by this, I thought using de was more correct. Actually, I don't understand why a present infinitive is being used here - wouldn't that mean "I remember to listen", instead of "I remember listening"? 

See https://forum.wordreference.com/threads/fr-i-remember-going-to-the-movie.2550434/

Tom A.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor

I looked to see what Larousse says on the matter and it says the formula se souvenir + infinitif passé can be used with or without de: 'les deux constructions sont aujourd'hui admises'.

(I notice it talks only about using the past infinitive - presumably because, strictly speaking, you only remember having done something...)

Tom A. asked:

When se souvenir isn't followed by de

I notice 'je me souviens écouter' is preferred over 'je me souviens d'écouter'. Is there any thinking on when you would use the 'de' and when not ?

Sign in to submit your answer

Don't have an account yet? Join today

Ask a question

Find your French level for FREE

Test your French to the CEFR standard

Find your French level
Let me take a look at that...