Sheila asked: "Do these both mean the same? Je suis monté à cheval./J'ai monté mon cheval."

AurélieNative French expert teacher in Kwiziq

Sheila asked: "Do these both mean the same? Je suis monté à cheval./J'ai monté mon cheval."

Asked 7 years ago
AurélieNative French expert teacher in KwiziqCorrect answer
Bonjour Sheila ! This case is confusing but the fact is that you can use either "Je suis monté à cheval." or "J'ai monté mon cheval." to express "I rode/mounted a horse". ​ ​The distinction here is more of a structural kind: ​-> "Je suis monté à cheval." is using "être" because on the preposition "à". The meaning is more general = I rode on horseback. ​ ​-> "J'ai monté mon cheval." is using "avoir" because it is followed by a direct object (i.e. to mount ). This is a more specific statement = I mounted/rode my horse. I hope that's helpful! À bientôt !
sheila h.B2Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor
Yes thanks, that's helpful

Sheila asked: "Do these both mean the same? Je suis monté à cheval./J'ai monté mon cheval."

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