emploi des verbes à double construction grammar in French

Language: French
Level: B2
Unit: Verbes et structures verbales
Practice types: 0

What this grammar point covers

Some French verbs can be used with two different grammatical constructions. This means the same verb changes its structure depending on the meaning or the object that follows.

When to use it

Use these verbs when you want to express different actions or objects with the same verb. The choice of construction often changes the meaning or the object of the verb.

Key forms

verbe + infinitif (ex: aider à faire, apprendre à faire)
verbe + nom (ex: demander quelque chose)
verbe + préposition + infinitif (ex: commencer à faire, arrêter de faire)
verbe + préposition + nom (ex: penser à quelqu’un, parler de quelque chose)

Examples

Il commence à travailler.

English: He starts working.

Il commence le travail.

English: He starts the work.

Elle pense à partir.

English: She is thinking about leaving.

Elle pense à son ami.

English: She is thinking about her friend.

J’aide mon frère.

English: I help my brother.

J’aide à préparer le repas.

English: I help to prepare the meal.

Tips

Always check which preposition (à, de, or none) is needed with the verb.
The meaning of the verb can change depending on the construction.
Some verbs have irregular patterns, so memorize them individually.

Exceptions and edge cases

Some verbs change meaning completely depending on the construction, for example: 'penser à' (to think of someone) vs. 'penser de' (to have an opinion about something).