Direct object pronouns
To avoid repeating a noun, you can replace it with a direct object pronoun (like "it" or "them"). The pronoun must match the gender and number of the noun it replaces:
- le replaces masculine singular nouns
- la replaces feminine singular nouns
- les replaces plural nouns
Unlike English, French direct object pronouns usually go before the conjugated verb.
| I take the toy and I put it away. | Je prends le jouet et je le range. |
| The kitchen is dirty. Do you clean it? | La cuisine est sale. Est-ce que tu la nettoies ? |
If a sentence has a conjugated verb followed by an infinitive, the pronoun goes directly before the infinitive.
| This cupboard is dirty, you have to clean it. | Ce placard est sale, il faut le nettoyer. |
| The kitchen is dirty, he is going to clean it. | La cuisine est sale, il va la nettoyer. |
The contracted pronoun l'
When le or la comes directly before a vowel or a silent h, it contracts to l'.
| This drawer is small, but I like it. | Ce tiroir est petit, mais je l'aime. |
Plural objects
Use les to replace any plural noun ("them").
| Where are the toys? I am putting them away. | Où sont les jouets ? Je les range. |
| These clothes are very dirty, I am going to throw them away. | Ces vêtements sont très sales, je vais les jeter. |
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