Inversion euphonique
When inversion results in a hiatus (two vowel sounds together), the letter -t must be added for euphony, but only
- with the subject pronouns il, elle, and on
- when the verb ends in a vowel
Par exemple…
il aime |
> |
aime-t-il |
elle parle |
> |
parle-t-elle |
on a |
> |
a-t-on |
il y a |
> |
y a-t-il |
This includes when the verb ends in -te, which, yes, means there are two t sounds:
|
|
|
|
IPA |
il monte |
> |
monte-t-il |
|
[mɔ̃ tə til] |
elle hante |
> |
hante-t-elle |
|
[ã tə tɛl] |
on écoute |
> |
écoute-t-on |
|
[e ku tə tɔ̃] |
However, -t is
not added when the verb ends in a consonant, because that consonant makes a
required liaison with the vowel that follows so there’s no need for the euphonic -t.
il sait |
> |
sait-il |
|
sait-t-il |
elle met |
> |
met-elle |
|
met-t-elle |
on prend |
> |
prend-on |
|
prend-t-on |
Related Lessons
Share / Tweet / Pin Me!

You must log in to post a comment.