Learning the Difference Between “On” and “Ont” in French
Are you struggling to understand when to use “on” and “ont” in French? These two words may sound similar, but they have different meanings and usage. In this video, I will teach you how to differentiate between “on” and “ont” and provide you with some tips to help you remember when to use each of them.
What is “On” and “Ont” in French?
First, let’s define what “on” and “ont” mean in French. “On” is a subject pronoun that means “we,” “they,” or “one.” “Ont,” on the other hand, is the third person plural of the verb “avoir,” which means “to have.” It is used in the present tense to indicate that a group of people have something.
How to Use “On” in French
Now, let’s discuss when to use “on” in French. “On” is used as a subject pronoun to replace “we,” “they,” or “one.” It is often used in informal speech and is equivalent to the English pronoun “one” or “people.” For example:
- On va au cinéma ce soir. (We are going to the cinema tonight.)
- On peut dire que c’est un bon livre. (One can say that it is a good book.)
How to Use “Ont” in French
Next, let’s talk about when to use “ont” in French. As mentioned earlier, “ont” is the present tense of the verb “avoir” (to have) for the third person plural. It is used to indicate that a group of people have something. For example:
- Ils ont deux chats. (They have two cats.)
- Mes amis ont beaucoup de livres. (My friends have a lot of books.)
You can replace “ont” with “avaient” which is the past tense of the verb to have.
Common Mistakes When Using “On” and “Ont”
One of the most common mistakes made by French learners is confusing “on” and “ont.” Here are some tips to help you remember when to use each of them:
- If you want to say “they have,” use “ont” (e.g., Ils ont deux chats).
- If you want to say “we” or “people” in general, use “on” (e.g., On va au cinéma ce soir).
- Don’t confuse “on” with “en,” which means “in” or “of” (e.g., Il est en train de manger).
Conclusion
In conclusion, “on” and “ont” are two important words in French that you should learn to use correctly. Remember that “on” is a subject pronoun that means “we,” “they,” or “one,” while “ont” is the present tense of the verb “avoir” (to have) for the third person plural. Use the tips provided in this video to avoid common mistakes and improve your French skills.
