why not use "Je l'envoye une massage"

DentistA2Kwiziq community member

why not use "Je l'envoye une massage"

Why is "Je lui envoye une massage" instead of "Je l'envoye une massage?" Thanks

Asked 4 years ago
CécileKwiziq team memberCorrect answer

Hi Dentist,

To add to Chris' answer, I am not sure if you are questioning the lack of elision of lui because of the clash of vowels?

In fact 'lui' is never elided, but  'le' would be -

Je l'envoie à Paul = I am sending it to Paul 

Je lui envoie un message = I am sending him a message 

Hope that helps!

ChrisC1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor

The phrase is: envoyer quelque chose à quelqu'un. Therefore the addressee is the indirect object, which is replaced by lui. The stuff you're sending is the direct object.

J'envoie la lettre à Marie. -- I'm sending the letter to Marie.
Je la lui envoie. -- I'm sending it to her.

why not use "Je l'envoye une massage"

Why is "Je lui envoye une massage" instead of "Je l'envoye une massage?" Thanks

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