French Indirect Object Pronouns: A Simple Guide

French indirect object pronouns can be tricky for English speakers. This guide will help you understand and use them correctly.

What are Indirect Object Pronouns?

Indirect object pronouns replace nouns that are indirect objects in a sentence. They answer the question "to whom?" or "for whom?" an action is done.

French Indirect Object Pronouns

Here's a list of French indirect object pronouns:

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

Placement in Sentences

Unlike in English, French indirect object pronouns are placed before the verb:

• Je parle à Marie. → Je lui parle. (I talk to her.)
• Nous écrivons à nos parents. → Nous leur écrivons. (We write to them.)

Examples in Different Tenses

Present Tense

• Je donne le livre à Paul. → Je lui donne le livre. (I give the book to him.)

Passé Composé

• J'ai envoyé un email à mes amis. → Je leur ai envoyé un email. (I sent an email to them.)

Future Tense

• Tu téléphoneras à ta mère. → Tu lui téléphoneras. (You will call her.)

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Don't confuse direct and indirect object pronouns.
2. Remember to place the pronoun before the verb.
3. Use "leur" for plural "them," not "les" (which is for direct objects).

Practice using these pronouns in your French conversations to become more fluent and natural in your speech.