Verbs that primarily use the auxiliary verb être in compound tenses like the passé composé may use avoir in specific circumstances. In general, these verbs use être in most cases. But here are five instances when these verbs might use avoir instead of être:
- Direct Object
- Passive Voice
- Reflexive Verbs
- Actions Without Movement
- Verbs in Certain Idiomatic Expressions
Direct Object: If the verb has a direct object, it generally takes avoir as the auxiliary verb. In the example below, the movie and the stairs are direct objects.
- Elle a vu le film
- She saw the movie
- Il a descendu les escaliers
- He went down the stairs
Passive Voice: Verbs used in the passive voice construction generally take avoir as the auxiliary verb. For example:
- La porte a été fermée par Pierre
- The door was closed by Pierre
- Le repas a été préparé par ma mère
- The meal was prepared by my mother
Reflexive Verbs: Reflexive verbs use avoir as the auxiliary verb in compound tenses. For example:
- Elle s’est lavée
- She washed herself
- Ils se sont réveillés tôt
- They woke up early
Actions Without Movement: Some verbs of motion can use avoir when they express an action without actual movement. For example:
- Elle a couru un marathon
- She ran a marathon
- Il a marché pendant des heures
- He walked for hours
Verbs in Certain Idiomatic Expressions: Some idiomatic expressions or fixed phrases use avoir as the auxiliary verb. For example:
- Elle a eu de la chance
- She was lucky
- Il a eu raison de partir tôt
- He was right to leave early
Read More: