Use of 'on'

Lise L.A2Kwiziq community member

Use of 'on'

I was taught (in both English-taught French classes and by French-speaking people) that the use of 'on' for 'we' was very colloquial and borderline bad grammar. I was baffled by the construction of the sentence using 'we' in English. I'm annoyed to be classified as 'lower intermediate' when I am considerably more advanced than that, even if I'm out of practice. I need to practice, but won't get much if I'm getting questions at this level and being challenged only by a confusing usage.

Asked 4 years ago
Chris W.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor Correct answer

In colloquial French, the French you hear spoken everywhere in informal settings in all phases of everyday life, you will hear on being used as "we". It is not borderline bad grammar anymore. It might have been years ago, but now it has been assimilated into normal everyday spoken French.

One thought about your language proficiency not matching your level determined by kwiziq. You can always choose to do exercises from a more advanced level. Just put them into your notebook. You can also do reading and listening exercises from a more advanced level. Sometimes, however, it's good to refresh older knowledge that hasn't been used. Happened to me, too. I swallowed my pride and decided to do them anyway. In the process, I picked up a few things I didn't know. It certainly didn't hurt me.

Use of 'on'

I was taught (in both English-taught French classes and by French-speaking people) that the use of 'on' for 'we' was very colloquial and borderline bad grammar. I was baffled by the construction of the sentence using 'we' in English. I'm annoyed to be classified as 'lower intermediate' when I am considerably more advanced than that, even if I'm out of practice. I need to practice, but won't get much if I'm getting questions at this level and being challenged only by a confusing usage.

Sign in to submit your answer

Don't have an account yet? Join today

Ask a question

Find your French level for FREE

Test your French to the CEFR standard

Find your French level
I'll be right with you...