Question 1

Why do we use à moi here instead of putting an indirect object pronoun before the verb (like ne me songe plus)?

Accepted Answer

This is the core of your current lesson! Usually, an indirect object pronoun goes before the verb (like il me parle). However, a specific group of verbs—including songer à (to think of), penser à (to think about), and faire attention à (to pay attention to)—do not allow this when referring to people. Instead, you must keep the preposition à after the verb and follow it with a stressed pronoun (moi, toi, lui, elle, etc.).

Question 2

I usually use penser à for "to think of". How is songer à different?

Accepted Answer

Songer à is a great B2-level synonym for penser à, but it often carries a slightly softer or more reflective nuance. It can mean "to think of," "to deeply consider," or even "to daydream about." While penser à is the everyday default, songer à sounds a bit more literary. Note that they both follow the exact same grammar rule: they both require à + stressed pronoun for people.

Question 3

If I wanted to say "The leader no longer thinks of it" (meaning a project, not a person), would I still use à lui?

Accepted Answer

No, you wouldn't. The rule of using à + a stressed pronoun only applies when the object is a human. If the leader is no longer thinking about a thing, an idea, or a project, you replace à + [thing] with the pronoun y. The sentence would then become: Le dirigeant n'y songe plus.

Question 4

What kind of "leader" is a dirigeant?

Accepted Answer

A dirigeant (from the verb diriger, to direct or lead) is typically a high-level executive, a company director, or a political leader. It implies formal, top-level authority over an organization or country, making it more formal than patron (boss) and often broader than chef (chief/manager).

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