Preposition after vouloir

FrankC1Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor

Preposition after vouloir

In the conditional phrase in the second sentence, we have "...si je ne voulais pas être père...".  I have terrible hearing, but I thought I heard d'être père.   I know that vouloir does not take a preposition to introduce an infinitive, so I was dubious.  I certainly did not hear an elision of the 's' of pas with être.   Are my ears deceiving me?

This question relates to:French dictation exercise "The choice of motherhood"

Dictation exercise B2

Asked 10 months ago
Like1Answer2
Share
MaartenC1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor Correct answer

I clearly hear the phrase with liaison '.... pa zêtre père', not d'être. Technology or biology or both!

Like210 months ago
Share
MaartenC1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor

I think the brief English introduction to the story would better reflect the converation if it stated that Eric and Aurélie are discussing 'parenthood', as he clearly emphasises both his support for personal choice of motherhood, and his choice not to be a father. Aurélie supports his comments. 

Maybe the French title could reflect this also ?

Like110 months ago
Share
Frank asked:View original

Preposition after vouloir

In the conditional phrase in the second sentence, we have "...si je ne voulais pas être père...".  I have terrible hearing, but I thought I heard d'être père.   I know that vouloir does not take a preposition to introduce an infinitive, so I was dubious.  I certainly did not hear an elision of the 's' of pas with être.   Are my ears deceiving me?

Sign in to submit your answer

Don't have an account yet? Join today

« Last time he came, he didn’t behave himself.Alternative spellings for Fête des mères »
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...