The direct object (COD) in French
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The direct object complement (French: le complément d'object direct) is an element of the verbal group, not introduced by a preposition, which makes it possible to specify the object of an action performed. The COD allows to complete a verb.
The COD:
Examples | Passive form | Translations |
---|---|---|
Je fais mes devoirs | Mes devoirs sont faits par moi | (I am doing my homework) |
Nous achetons un cadeau. | Un cadeau est acheté par nous | (We are buying a gift) |
Je pars faire la cuisine. | La cuisine est faite par moi | (I am going to cook) |
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It is important to know what is the subject and the verb before finding out what is the direct complement.
The direct object complement answers the following questions:
In these two examples, you will study the entire sentence.
Nous achetons un cadeau. (we are buying a gift)
Pierre attend son amie. (Peter is waiting for his friend)
The COD usually follows the verb except if it is a pronoun. The COD can be replaced with pronouns like:
When it is placed before the verb, the COD becomes a pronoun and has to agree in gender and number with the complement.
Position | Examples | Translations |
---|---|---|
After the verb | Nathalie fait la vaisselle | (Natalia is washing the dishes) |
Before the verb | Nathalie la fait | (Natalia washes it) |
Do not forget that when the COD is before the verb, it agrees with the verb that use the auxiliary avoir to form the compound times.
The grammatical nature (French: la nature grammaticale) of a direct object can be:
Nature | Examples | Translations |
---|---|---|
Noun or nominal group | Samantha conduit la voiture | (Samantha is driving the car) |
Pronoun | Samantha la conduit | (Samantha is driving it) |
Subordinate clause | Samantha pense que tu sois faché | (Samantha thinks that you were angry) |
Infinitive verb | Nous espérions dormir | (We thought we would sleep) |
Write the pronoun that would replace the direct object. Direct objects are in bold.
Bonne chance !
Example: J'écris une lettre → Je l'écris.
1. Nous écrivons les instructions à suivre → Nous écrivons.
(We are writing the rules to follow)
2. Nous écoutons le conférencier → Nous écoutons.
(We are listening to the lecturer)
3. Tu ne respecte pas tes parents → Tu ne respectes pas.
(You don't respect your parents)
4. Léo mange la banane → Leo mange
(Leo is eating the banana)
5. Mon copain et moi regardons un film → Mon copain et moi regardons.
(My boyfriend and I are watching a movie)
6. Ma mère écoute les informations à la radio → Ma mère écoute à la radio.
(My mother listens to the news with the radio)
7. Notre invité apprécie le vin rouge → Notre invité apprécie
(Our guest loves red wine)
8. La servante achète les fruits au marché → La servante achète au marché.
(The maid buys fruits at the market)
9. Ils descendent l'escalier de la salle → Ils descende.
(They are coming down)
10. Mon amie m'a offert un bouquet de roses → Mon amie me a offert.
(My friend offered me a rose bouquet)
Write the pronoun that would replace the direct object. Direct objects are in bold.
Bonne chance !
Example: J'écris une lettre → Je l'écris.
1. Nous écrivons les instructions à suivre → Nous écrivons.
(We are writing the rules to follow)
2. Nous écoutons le conférencier → Nous écoutons.
(We are listening to the lecturer)
3. Tu ne respecte pas tes parents → Tu ne respectes pas.
(You don't respect your parents)
4. Léo mange la banane → Leo mange
(Leo is eating the banana)
5. Mon copain et moi regardons un film → Mon copain et moi regardons.
(My boyfriend and I are watching a movie)
6. Ma mère écoute les informations à la radio → Ma mère écoute à la radio.
(My mother listens to the news with the radio)
7. Notre invité apprécie le vin rouge → Notre invité apprécie
(Our guest loves red wine)
8. La servante achète les fruits au marché → La servante achète au marché.
(The maid buys fruits at the market)
9. Ils descendent l'escalier de la salle → Ils descende.
(They are coming down)
10. Mon amie m'a offert un bouquet de roses → Mon amie me a offert.
(My friend offered me a rose bouquet)
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I do my best to make you feel comfortable to speak and for you to have a pleasant time. According to me, using humour will help you learn more easily.
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In my lessons, I use e-textbooks (not included in lessons’ price), and my materials (included in lessons’ price).
I won't promise that you will speak Russian in 5 lessons or 1 week, but I promise that you will practice a lot and there will be no unclear points left behind.
Don’t be afraid to take the first step!
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I can teach you everything from grammar to culture, but I am particularly able to help you get a better pronunciation! Indeed, I also have a Master's Degree in Linguistics, for which I wrote a thesis about the pronunciation of people learning French as a foreign language =)
Regarding pronunciation, I'll help you without any judgment and only if you express the need to improve!
I studied one year in Japan (Osaka) where I gave French classes at the University of Kansai. During this time, I met a lot of people from various background and I became very open-minded and comfortable with different cultures.
What I like the most in teaching French is getting to meet and know people from different cultures =)
So, I'll be waiting for you! =)
See you soon,
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I do my best to make you feel comfortable to speak and for you to have a pleasant time. According to me, using humour will help you learn more easily.
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