Learn French: Ce citoyen agit en tant que représentant de l'élu. - This citizen acts as a representative of the elected official.

Ce citoyen agit en tant que représentant de l'élu.

This citizen acts as a representative of the elected official.

Breakdown of Ce citoyen agit en tant que représentant de l'élu.

this (before a noun)

of / from / any (in negative sentences) / about (concerning)

Questions & Answers about Ce citoyen agit en tant que représentant de l'élu.

Why is there no article like un before représentant?

Because this sentence is using the phrase en tant que to express a professional role or capacity. In French, when you state someone's profession, role, or title right after en tant que, you drop the indefinite article. You say en tant que représentant, just like you would say il est représentant.

Could I just say comme représentant instead of en tant que représentant?

Yes, comme also means 'as' and works here without an article. However, en tant que is slightly more formal and specifically highlights the official capacity or function the person is fulfilling. It is the perfect choice for legal or administrative contexts like this one.

I thought élu was the past participle of the verb élire (to elect). Why is it used as a noun here?

You are right about it being a past participle! In French, it is very common to turn adjectives and past participles into nouns simply by adding an article in front of them. Here, l'élu literally translates to 'the elected one', but it is the standard everyday term for 'the elected official' or 'the politician'.

I am used to seeing this verb in the phrase il s'agit de (it is about). Why isn't it reflexive in this sentence?