Elles sont restées à les regarder une dizaine de minutes

Question

A similar question has been asked but I dont understand why "à" is needed when "regarder" means "to watch"? So why is the extra "à" needed? I couldn't find anything that says "rester" is followed by "à" anywhere?

Accepted Answer

Bonjour James,
- When "rester" is followed by the preposition à and an infinitive, it can be used to express that something still needs to be accomplished or considered.

Le loyer reste à payer = the rent remains to be paid
Il ne me reste plus qu'à finir la vaisselle = all I have left to do is to finish the washing-up

- When "rester" is followed by the preposition à and an infinitive, it can be used to express that you are taking some time to do something - like in the example from the question above

Marc reste des heures à rêvasser = Marc spends hours daydreaming
Julie reste là à ne rien faire = Julie stands there doing nothing

I hope this is helpful.
Bonne journée !

Answer

The examples that Céline gives seem to be a bit different from the one James asked about. Maybe this discussion will be helpful:

https://forum.wordreference.com/threads/rester-%C3%A0-infinitif.869180/

At the end there is the suggestion that "rester à regarder ... signifient continuer une action déjà en cours." So they didn't stay in order to watch them, but continued to watch them.

Answer

Bonjour Alan,I have updated my answer so as to include examples matching the question.Bonne journée !

Answer

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