Colloquial vs formal

Tom K.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor

Colloquial vs formal

The lesson states " either de or pour is colloquial with abstract nouns (votre compréhension, patience, gentillesse...), with merci de being a bit more elegant.

I don't get the sense of this statement.

If both are colloquial then what is the formal way of expressing " Thank you for your understanding".

Asked 6 years ago
Chris W.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor

Hi Tom, I guess what that means is that either de or pour are used in spoken French with abstract nouns. The use of pour being more colloquial and de being more elegant/formal.

-- Chris (not a native speaker).

Tom K.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor

Of course I get that.

I'm just pointing out the imprecision of the statement. Colloquial use does not equate with the spoken language but is rather a Register within the spoken language.

As far as I am aware a word or phrase cannot possess the duality of being both colloquial and formal.French speech with pour being colloquial and de being formal.

Perhaps I'm just being obtuse, but  as aspiring linguists we should strive for precision in language.

Alan G.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor
It's hard to believe either of these are "colloquial". I wonder if it should be "idiomatic"?
Chris W.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor

The English is a bit imprecise. I interpreted as "colloquial" meaning "used in spoken French", irrespective of register.

-- Chris.

Colloquial vs formal

The lesson states " either de or pour is colloquial with abstract nouns (votre compréhension, patience, gentillesse...), with merci de being a bit more elegant.

I don't get the sense of this statement.

If both are colloquial then what is the formal way of expressing " Thank you for your understanding".

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