when is les used and when is leur used

Question

Accepted Answer

Bonjour Priscilla,

Les is the plural French direct object, so it's used as explained in this lesson.

Leur is the indirect object, which you can read about here: https://www.french-test.com/my-languages/french/view/710

Answer

I've seen that explanation in many places.  But it's not so easy to figure out when a verb will take a direct object or an indirect object, particularly when French verbs take prepositions in situations when English verbs won't (and vice versa).  I guess it is something you just have to get a feel for after seeing many examples and situations.

Answer

Indeed Stuart, if most of the verbs are quite similar to English structure - voir [quelqu'un] = to see [someone] - there are several cases that simply need to be learned as different from English - téléphoner à [quelqu'un] = to phone [someone]   
:)