Use of etre + descendre/monter in the passe compose

Question

I know that you use etre + ascendre or descendre or monter in the passe compose when the verb is followed by a preposition, but I am still slightly confused, with certain situations.

For example, I got on.... would be "Je suis monte sur...", But "I mounted.... would be "J'ai monte...."  You could say "I mounted the bus."  or "I got on the bus."   Could you use either, saying "Je suis monte sur le bus."  OR J'ai monte le bus?"  Is "to go upstairs"  "monter l'escalier" or "aller en haut"

I have the same problems with descendre.  For example, how do you say "I went downstairs"?

Forgive the lack of accents.  Your advice sheet doesn't work on my computer.

Beverley

Accepted Answer

Bonjour Beverley!Here are links to our related lessons on monter and descendre:https://french.kwiziq.com/revision/grammar/monter-can-be-used-with-avoir-or-etre-in-le-passe-compose-and-changes-meaninghttps://french.kwiziq.com/revision/grammar/descendre-can-be-used-with-avoir-or-etre-in-le-passe-compose-and-changes-meaningPlease have a look, and let us know if you have further questions :)À bientôt !

Answer

Bonjour Beverley,
Below is a link to a Penn State site showing how to type accents using the keyboard + the Alt key.
I hope that this works on your PC.
If it does not work on your keyboard, search «google» with the phrase «typing French accents»
Bonne chance.

Answer

Hi Beverley,
You're quite correct, quite a few être verbs may take avoir or être in the passé composé. You can find lessons on them all at B2. The difference is simply between if the verb is acting on a direct object (that is no preposition between the passé composé verb and a noun object, in which case avoir is used) or an indirect object ( a preposition after the verb before the object, in which case être is used.) Much more information here: https://french.kwiziq.com/revision/grammar/descendre-can-be-used-with-avoir-or-etre-in-le-passe-compose-and-changes-meaning

Answer

Thank you Ron, I'll try that.  I'm fine with email and Word, but whenever I do the writing activities on PWL, I can't use them.

Thank you too Andy.  I have all the information on the B2 lesson in my notebook and am fine most of the time. I understand the principles.  It's just those specific examples that I can't find any reference to.  My confusion is because of those specific examples I have quoted.  Thanks anyway.
Bon ete.