Question 1

Why are two different verbs (savoir and connaître) used for 'to know' here?

Accepted Answer

This sentence perfectly demonstrates the difference between these two verbs! You use savoir when talking about knowing how to do something (followed by the infinitive utiliser). You use connaître when talking about being familiar with a place, person, or thing (followed by the noun la fosse).

Question 2

In English we say 'know how to use'. Why is there no word for 'how' after savons?

Accepted Answer

In French, the verb savoir followed directly by an infinitive inherently means 'to know how to' do that action. If you try to translate word-for-word and say nous savons comment utiliser, it sounds unnatural to a French speaker.

Question 3

What does la fosse refer to here?

Accepted Answer

Une fosse generally translates to a pit, hole, or trench. Because the sentence mentions le sonar, it is referring to an underwater oceanic trench, such as the Mariana Trench (la fosse des Mariannes).

Question 4

Could I use savoir if I have memorized facts about the trench?

Accepted Answer

You would still use connaître when directly targeting the noun la fosse, because you are stating familiarity with a place. However, you would use savoir if you followed it with a fact-based clause, such as nous savons où est la fosse (we know where the trench is).

Nous savons utiliser le sonar, mais nous ne connaissons pas la fosse.

Breakdown of Nous savons utiliser le sonar, mais nous ne connaissons pas la fosse.

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