Question 1

Why is the verb revendique conjugated in the first person instead of the third person?

Accepted Answer

In a cleft sentence like c'est moi qui (it is I who...), the relative pronoun qui takes on the person and number of the pronoun that precedes it. Because it follows moi, qui acts as a first-person singular subject, so the verb must be conjugated to match je: revendique.

Question 2

If I wanted to say "It is we who claim the credit," how would the verb change?

Accepted Answer

Following the same rule, the verb after qui must agree with the pronoun before it. If you change moi to nous, the verb must take the nous form: C'est nous qui revendiquons le mérite.

Question 3

Why does the French sentence use du barbecue when the English translation says "for the barbecue"?

Accepted Answer

In French, the expression uses the preposition de: revendiquer le mérite de quelque chose (literally, to claim the credit of something). You cannot translate the English "for" literally here. Because barbecue is a masculine noun, de and le contract to form du.

Question 4

Could I use a different verb like réclamer instead of revendiquer here?

Accepted Answer

You could, but revendiquer is the most natural fit. While réclamer generally means to demand or ask for something you want (like a refund or attention), revendiquer is specifically used for claiming ownership, rights, or responsibility. It is exactly the word you need when taking the credit for an accomplishment!

C'est moi qui revendique le mérite du barbecue.

Breakdown of C'est moi qui revendique le mérite du barbecue.

Questions & Answers about C'est moi qui revendique le mérite du barbecue.

Learn C'est moi qui revendique le mérite du barbecue and more in French