Using 'en' in sentences

Tom A.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor

Using 'en' in sentences

What is triggering the use of 'en' in the sentence 'le destin en a décidé autrement' ? Is it the fact that 'décider' implies a clause starting with 'de' - or something else ?

I often can't see a simple 'de...' clause that could be interchanged with the 'en'.

Asked 3 years ago
CélineNative French expert teacher in KwiziqCorrect answer

Bonjour Tom,

That's an excellent question! It is the fact that " 'décider' implies a clause starting with 'de' " as you suggested.

Il peut décider de faire autrement he can decide (to do) otherwise

Il peut en décider autrement = he can decide otherwise

I hope this is helpful.

Bonne journée !

Tom A.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor

Thank you Céline ! :)

Tom A. asked:

Using 'en' in sentences

What is triggering the use of 'en' in the sentence 'le destin en a décidé autrement' ? Is it the fact that 'décider' implies a clause starting with 'de' - or something else ?

I often can't see a simple 'de...' clause that could be interchanged with the 'en'.

Sign in to submit your answer

Don't have an account yet? Join today

Ask a question

Find your French level for FREE

Test your French to the CEFR standard

Find your French level
Clever stuff happening!