French indirect object pronouns

French indirect object pronouns can be tricky for English speakers. These pronouns replace nouns that are indirect objects in a sentence. Let's explore how to use them correctly.

Common French indirect object pronouns

• me (to me)
• te (to you, informal)
• lui (to him/her/it)
• nous (to us)
• vous (to you, formal or plural)
• leur (to them)

Usage rules

Indirect object pronouns usually come before the verb:

• Je lui parle. (I speak to him/her.)
• Nous leur donnons des livres. (We give them books.)

Special case: "y"

The pronoun "y" can replace indirect objects that start with "à":

• Je pense à mes vacances. → J'y pense. (I think about my vacation. → I think about it.)

Examples in context

• Tu donnes le cadeau à Marie? → Tu lui donnes le cadeau? (Are you giving the gift to Marie? → Are you giving her the gift?)
• Vous répondez à vos parents? → Vous leur répondez? (Are you answering your parents? → Are you answering them?)

Common mistakes to avoid

1. Don't use "à" before indirect object pronouns:

   • Incorrect: Je parle à lui.
   • Correct: Je lui parle.

2. Place the pronoun correctly with infinitives:

   • Je vais lui parler. (I'm going to speak to him/her.)

Remember, practice is key to mastering indirect object pronouns in French. Try incorporating them into your daily French conversations or writing exercises.