why we don't "Je bois du vin rouge avez tous les repas"? Since the translation of "with" is "avez"

Joan C.A1Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor

why we don't "Je bois du vin rouge avez tous les repas"? Since the translation of "with" is "avez"

Asked 6 years ago
CécileNative French expert teacher in KwiziqCorrect answer

Hi Joan,

Yes, as Chris says you could use 'avec' but I would probably say:

Je bois du vin rouge avec mes repas. 

or

Je bois du vin rouge aux repas. 

or

Je bois du vin rouge à tous les repas.

Just several ways to say about the same thing...

Hope this helps!

Chris W.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor

Hi Joan,

that's just the way it is, Joan. There is no reason. I believe it might even be possible to use "avec" as an alternative to "au" in that case. But "au" sounds better to the French ear (according to two French native speakers I asked about this).

In English you also have two alternatives, which by chance correspond almost exactly to the French situation. But constantly drawing parallels between English and French is not the best way to progress. You have to learn to think French by simply accepting to doing it "the French way".

I'll have wine with the meal.
I'll have wine to the meal.

Greetings, -- Chris (not a native speaker).

Joan C.A1Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor
Thanks Chris and Cécile, it is clear to me now. 

why we don't "Je bois du vin rouge avez tous les repas"? Since the translation of "with" is "avez"

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