"De" and "des" has puzzled me for years. I interpret this as "dolphin show" or "show of dolphins" which would be the grammatical equivalent of "la mère de Paul." But, the right answer is "des." That would seem to be "I would like to see the show some dolphins" in my mind. Can somebody help me with the grammar that applies here?
Why "des" in "J'aimerais voir le spectacle des dauphins."
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Mary Anne B.Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor
Why "des" in "J'aimerais voir le spectacle des dauphins."
Asked 4 years ago
Think about what "des" is a contraction of in this case, and the sentence will make more sense. "J'aimerais voir le spectacle [de les] dauphins." Or in your example, "la mère des enfants." It might just be confusing that "des" can mean both "some" and "of the (plural)".
Gary B.Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor
I have the same problem with de/des. But I think the first thing to do is determine whether it is a partive or preposition. Then it is clearer.
Mary Anne B. asked:
Why "des" in "J'aimerais voir le spectacle des dauphins."
"De" and "des" has puzzled me for years. I interpret this as "dolphin show" or "show of dolphins" which would be the grammatical equivalent of "la mère de Paul." But, the right answer is "des." That would seem to be "I would like to see the show some dolphins" in my mind. Can somebody help me with the grammar that applies here?
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