Using etre and en retard

Natasha R.B2Kwiziq community member

Using etre and en retard

Hello - I am confused about the construction with etre and en retard. Are both the constructions below correct? From my understanding of the video and Chris' reply to another question, only the 2nd one is correct. However, the first is used throughout the lesson.

1. Je suis arrivé dix minutes en retard. [construction in lesson]

2. Je suis arrivé en retard de dix minutes. [construction in video]

Asked 3 years ago
CécileNative French expert teacher in KwiziqCorrect answer

Hi Natasha, 

Both your suggestions are correct. You could also say -

Je suis arrivé/e avec dix minutes de retard 

as in the lesson.

As usual, there are several possibilities to say the same thing in French but my advice would be to concentrate on the ones in the lessons which will be used to test you.

Bonne Continuation!

 

Jim J.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor

Hi Natasha,

I'm thinking that you have not read all of the lesson.

If you look at the end of the piece you will find special consideration for certain verbs one of which is arriver  --  have another look and I think that you will find the answer to your question there.

Jim

Natasha R. asked:

Using etre and en retard

Hello - I am confused about the construction with etre and en retard. Are both the constructions below correct? From my understanding of the video and Chris' reply to another question, only the 2nd one is correct. However, the first is used throughout the lesson.

1. Je suis arrivé dix minutes en retard. [construction in lesson]

2. Je suis arrivé en retard de dix minutes. [construction in video]

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