Understanding how to express “they have” in French is crucial for building fluency and expressing complex ideas. This seemingly simple phrase requires knowledge of French verb conjugation and pronoun usage.
Mastering this concept will allow you to describe possessions, characteristics, and actions related to groups of people. This article provides a detailed breakdown of the various ways to say “they have” in French, offering clear explanations, numerous examples, and practice exercises to help learners of all levels.
Whether you’re a beginner just starting your French journey or an advanced learner looking to refine your grammar skills, this guide will equip you with the knowledge and confidence to use “they have” correctly and effectively in your French communication.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Definition of “They Have” in French
- The Verb Avoir: Conjugation and Usage
- Structural Breakdown of Ils/Elles ont
- Types of “They” Pronouns
- Examples of “They Have” in French
- Usage Rules and Considerations
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Practice Exercises
- Advanced Topics
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Conclusion
Definition of “They Have” in French
In French, “they have” is primarily translated using the verb avoir (to have) conjugated in the third-person plural (ils/elles). The correct form is ils ont (masculine/mixed group) or elles ont (feminine). The choice between ils and elles depends on the gender of the group being referred to. Understanding this distinction is crucial for accurate and grammatically correct communication in French.
The phrase “they have” can denote possession, characteristics, or be used as an auxiliary verb in compound tenses. Its function is similar to that in English, but the grammatical structure and agreement rules differ. For instance, the auxiliary verb avoir is used to form the passé composé (past tense) for many verbs, and the past participle must agree in gender and number with the direct object if it precedes the verb.
The Verb Avoir: Conjugation and Usage
To understand how to say “they have” in French, you must first master the conjugation of the verb avoir (to have). This verb is irregular and one of the most frequently used verbs in the French language. Here’s the present tense conjugation:
- J’ai (I have)
- Tu as (You have – informal)
- Il/Elle/On a (He/She/One has)
- Nous avons (We have)
- Vous avez (You have – formal/plural)
- Ils/Elles ont (They have)
As you can see, the third-person plural form, ils ont and elles ont, is what we use to say “they have.” The choice between ils and elles depends on the gender of the subject pronoun.
Structural Breakdown of Ils/Elles ont
The structure of the phrase ils ont or elles ont is quite straightforward, consisting of two main components:
- Subject Pronoun: This is either ils (masculine/mixed group) or elles (feminine). It indicates who is doing the action (in this case, possessing or having something).
- Conjugated Verb: This is the verb avoir conjugated in the third-person plural: ont. It indicates the action of having.
The combination of these two elements creates the phrase “they have.” For example, in the sentence Ils ont une voiture (They have a car), ils is the subject pronoun, and ont is the conjugated verb.
Types of “They” Pronouns
Choosing between ils and elles depends on the gender of the group you are referring to. Let’s examine each pronoun in detail:
Ils: Masculine Plural
The pronoun ils is used when referring to a group of males or a mixed group of males and females. Even if there is only one male in a group, the masculine plural pronoun ils is used.
For example:
- Les garçons ont faim. (The boys are hungry.) – Ils ont faim. (They are hungry.)
- Jean et Marie ont un chien. (Jean and Marie have a dog.) – Ils ont un chien. (They have a dog.)
Elles: Feminine Plural
The pronoun elles is used when referring to a group consisting entirely of females.
For example:
- Les filles ont soif. (The girls are thirsty.) – Elles ont soif. (They are thirsty.)
- Sophie et Julie ont des chats. (Sophie and Julie have cats.) – Elles ont des chats. (They have cats.)
Mixed Groups: Using Ils
As mentioned earlier, when referring to a mixed group of males and females, the masculine plural pronoun ils is always used. This is a fundamental rule of French grammar.
For example:
- Pierre et Anne ont des enfants. (Pierre and Anne have children.) – Ils ont des enfants. (They have children.)
- Les étudiants et les étudiantes ont des livres. (The male and female students have books.) – Ils ont des livres. (They have books.)
Examples of “They Have” in French
Here are some examples of how to use ils ont and elles ont in different contexts:
Expressing Possessions
This is the most straightforward use of “they have,” indicating ownership.
The following table illustrates different examples of how to express possessions using “they have” in French.
| French Sentence | English Translation |
|---|---|
| Ils ont une grande maison. | They have a big house. |
| Elles ont beaucoup d’amis. | They have many friends. |
| Ils ont deux voitures. | They have two cars. |
| Elles ont un jardin magnifique. | They have a magnificent garden. |
| Ils ont un chat et un chien. | They have a cat and a dog. |
| Elles ont des projets intéressants. | They have interesting projects. |
| Ils ont de l’argent. | They have money. |
| Elles ont de la patience. | They have patience. |
| Ils ont des problèmes à résoudre. | They have problems to solve. |
| Elles ont des vacances prévues. | They have planned vacations. |
| Ils ont des responsabilités importantes. | They have important responsibilities. |
| Elles ont des rêves à réaliser. | They have dreams to fulfill. |
| Ils ont des souvenirs précieux. | They have precious memories. |
| Elles ont des compétences variées. | They have varied skills. |
| Ils ont des informations confidentielles. | They have confidential information. |
| Elles ont des billets pour le concert. | They have tickets for the concert. |
| Ils ont des réservations au restaurant. | They have reservations at the restaurant. |
| Elles ont des invitations pour la fête. | They have invitations for the party. |
| Ils ont des idées novatrices. | They have innovative ideas. |
| Elles ont des ambitions professionnelles. | They have professional ambitions. |
| Ils ont un abonnement à Netflix. | They have a Netflix subscription. |
| Elles ont une carte de fidélité. | They have a loyalty card. |
| Ils ont un compte bancaire commun. | They have a joint bank account. |
| Elles ont une assurance santé. | They have health insurance. |
| Ils ont un permis de conduire. | They have a driver’s license. |
| Elles ont une collection de timbres. | They have a stamp collection. |
| Ils ont un faible pour le chocolat. | They have a weakness for chocolate. |
| Elles ont une passion pour la danse. | They have a passion for dancing. |
This table presents a range of examples showcasing how “ils ont” and “elles ont” are used to indicate possessions, ownership, or attributes in French. Each example is paired with its corresponding English translation for clarity.
Describing Characteristics
Avoir can also be used to describe characteristics or states of being.
The following table illustrates how to use “they have” to describe characteristics or states of being in French.
| French Sentence | English Translation |
|---|---|
| Ils ont faim. | They are hungry. |
| Elles ont soif. | They are thirsty. |
| Ils ont chaud. | They are hot. |
| Elles ont froid. | They are cold. |
| Ils ont raison. | They are right. |
| Elles ont tort. | They are wrong. |
| Ils ont sommeil. | They are sleepy. |
| Elles ont peur. | They are scared. |
| Ils ont de la chance. | They are lucky. |
| Elles ont de la patience. | They have patience. |
| Ils ont 20 ans. | They are 20 years old. |
| Elles ont l’air fatiguées. | They look tired. |
| Ils ont besoin d’aide. | They need help. |
| Elles ont envie de voyager. | They want to travel. |
| Ils ont honte. | They are ashamed. |
| Elles ont de l’expérience. | They have experience. |
| Ils ont du talent. | They have talent. |
| Elles ont de l’humour. | They have a sense of humor. |
| Ils ont de la détermination. | They have determination. |
| Elles ont de la créativité. | They have creativity. |
| Ils ont de l’ambition. | They have ambition. |
| Elles ont de la gentillesse. | They have kindness. |
| Ils ont de la sagesse. | They have wisdom. |
| Elles ont de la persévérance. | They have perseverance. |
| Ils ont de la compassion. | They have compassion. |
| Elles ont de la curiosité. | They have curiosity. |
| Ils ont de l’optimisme. | They have optimism. |
| Elles ont de l’énergie. | They have energy. |
This table offers a variety of examples where “ils ont” and “elles ont” are used to describe feelings, states, or characteristics attributed to a group in French, accompanied by their respective English translations.
Referring to Actions (with Past Participle)
Avoir is also used as an auxiliary verb to form compound tenses, particularly the passé composé (past tense).
The following table demonstrates how “they have” is used with a past participle to form compound tenses in French.
| French Sentence | English Translation |
|---|---|
| Ils ont mangé. | They have eaten. |
| Elles ont fini. | They have finished. |
| Ils ont vu le film. | They have seen the movie. |
| Elles ont lu le livre. | They have read the book. |
| Ils ont voyagé en France. | They have traveled to France. |
| Elles ont étudié l’histoire. | They have studied history. |
| Ils ont acheté une nouvelle voiture. | They have bought a new car. |
| Elles ont vendu leur maison. | They have sold their house. |
| Ils ont visité le musée. | They have visited the museum. |
| Elles ont rencontré des amis. | They have met some friends. |
| Ils ont réussi l’examen. | They have passed the exam. |
| Elles ont raté le bus. | They have missed the bus. |
| Ils ont commencé le travail. | They have started the work. |
| Elles ont terminé le projet. | They have finished the project. |
| Ils ont préparé le dîner. | They have prepared dinner. |
| Elles ont nettoyé la maison. | They have cleaned the house. |
| Ils ont écouté de la musique. | They have listened to music. |
| Elles ont regardé la télévision. | They have watched television. |
| Ils ont joué au football. | They have played football. |
| Elles ont dansé toute la nuit. | They have danced all night. |
| Ils ont chanté une chanson. | They have sung a song. |
| Elles ont écrit une lettre. | They have written a letter. |
| Ils ont ouvert la porte. | They have opened the door. |
| Elles ont fermé la fenêtre. | They have closed the window. |
| Ils ont pris le train. | They have taken the train. |
| Elles ont perdu leurs clés. | They have lost their keys. |
| Ils ont trouvé un emploi. | They have found a job. |
| Elles ont créé une entreprise. | They have created a company. |
This table provides examples of compound tenses formed using “ils ont” and “elles ont” with past participles to describe completed actions in French, along with their corresponding English translations.
Usage Rules and Considerations
Here are some important rules and considerations when using ils ont and elles ont:
Pronoun-Noun Agreement
Ensure that the pronoun (ils or elles) agrees in gender with the noun it represents. This is crucial for grammatical accuracy.
For example:
- Correct: Les femmes sont arrivées. Elles sont contentes. (The women have arrived. They are happy.)
- Incorrect: Les femmes sont arrivées. Ils sont contents. (The women have arrived. They are happy.)
Formal vs. Informal Contexts
The choice between formal and informal language does not directly affect the use of ils ont or elles ont. These pronouns are used in both formal and informal contexts. However, be mindful of the overall tone and vocabulary you use in different situations.
Negation
To negate “they have,” use ne…pas around the verb avoir:
- Ils n’ont pas de voiture. (They don’t have a car.)
- Elles n’ont pas faim. (They are not hungry.)
Note the elision of ne to n’ before the vowel o in ont.
Interrogation
There are several ways to form questions with “they have”:
- Inversion: Ont-ils une maison? / Ont-elles une maison? (Do they have a house?)
- Est-ce que: Est-ce qu’ils ont une maison? / Est-ce qu’elles ont une maison? (Do they have a house?)
- Intonation: Ils ont une maison? / Elles ont une maison? (They have a house?) – This is more informal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are some common mistakes learners make when using “they have” in French:
| Incorrect | Correct | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Ils est une voiture. | Ils ont une voiture. | Using the wrong conjugation of avoir. |
| Elles a faim. | Elles ont faim. | Using the wrong conjugation of avoir. |
| Ils ont faim, mais Marie est là. | Elles ont faim, car Marie est là. | Using the wrong pronoun. |
| Les garçons et Sophie ont faim. Elles ont faim. | Les garçons et Sophie ont faim. Ils ont faim. | Using the wrong pronoun for a mixed group. |
The table above highlights common errors made when using “they have” in French, providing the incorrect and correct versions along with explanations to help learners avoid these mistakes.
Practice Exercises
Test your knowledge with these practice exercises:
Exercise 1: Choose the correct pronoun (ils or elles).
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. Les filles ____ ont des poupées. | Elles |
| 2. Les garçons ____ ont des ballons. | Ils |
| 3. Marie et Sophie ____ sont amies. | Elles |
| 4. Jean et Pierre ____ sont frères. | Ils |
| 5. Les étudiants et les étudiantes ____ sont en classe. | Ils |
| 6. Les femmes ____ ont voté. | Elles |
| 7. Les hommes ____ travaillent dur. | Ils |
| 8. Anne et Marc ____ sont mariés. | Ils |
| 9. Les actrices ____ sont célèbres. | Elles |
| 10. Les enfants ____ jouent dans le parc. | Ils |
Exercise 2: Fill in the blank with the correct form of avoir (ont).
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. Ils ____ une maison à la campagne. | ont |
| 2. Elles ____ besoin de vacances. | ont |
| 3. Ils ____ faim après le match. | ont |
| 4. Elles ____ des chats adorables. | ont |
| 5. Ils ____ beaucoup de travail à faire. | ont |
| 6. Elles ____ peur du noir. | ont |
| 7. Ils ____ raison de s’inquiéter. | ont |
| 8. Elles ____ l’air heureuses. | ont |
| 9. Ils ____ visité Paris. | ont |
| 10. Elles ____ terminé leurs études. | ont |
Exercise 3: Translate the following sentences into French using ils ont or elles ont.
| English Sentence | French Translation |
|---|---|
| 1. They have a new car. | Ils ont une nouvelle voiture. / Elles ont une nouvelle voiture. |
| 2. They are thirsty. | Ils ont soif. / Elles ont soif. |
| 3. They have finished their homework. | Ils ont fini leurs devoirs. / Elles ont fini leurs devoirs. |
| 4. They have many friends. | Ils ont beaucoup d’amis. / Elles ont beaucoup d’amies. |
| 5. They are cold. | Ils ont froid. / Elles ont froid. |
| 6. They have visited Italy. | Ils ont visité l’Italie. / Elles ont visité l’Italie. |
| 7. They need help. | Ils ont besoin d’aide. / Elles ont besoin d’aide. |
| 8. They have a big garden. | Ils ont un grand jardin. / Elles ont un grand jardin. |
| 9. They are right. | Ils ont raison. / Elles ont raison. |
| 10. They have seen the Eiffel Tower. | Ils ont vu la Tour Eiffel. / Elles ont vu la Tour Eiffel. |
These practice exercises provide opportunities to reinforce your understanding of how to use “they have” in French. Each exercise focuses on a different aspect, from choosing the correct pronoun to translating sentences.
Advanced Topics
For advanced learners, here are some more complex aspects of using avoir:
Idiomatic Expressions with Avoir
French has many idiomatic expressions using the verb avoir. These expressions often don’t translate literally into English. Learning these expressions will enrich your vocabulary and make your French sound more natural.
Examples:
- Avoir le cafard (to feel down/blue)
- Avoir beau + infinitive (to try in vain)
- Avoir lieu (to take place)
Using Avoir in the Subjunctive Mood
The subjunctive mood is used in certain subordinate clauses, often expressing doubt, emotion, or necessity. Avoir has a subjunctive form, which is used in these contexts.
Example:
- Il faut qu’ils aient fini avant demain. (It is necessary that they finish before tomorrow.)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are some frequently asked questions about using “they have” in French:
- Q: How do I know whether to use ils or elles?
- Q: What if I don’t know the gender of the people I’m referring to?
- Q: Is there a difference in pronunciation between ils ont and elles ont?
- Q: Can I use on ont instead of ils ont or elles ont?
- Q: How do I use “they have” to ask a question?
- Q: What are some common mistakes to avoid when using “ils ont” or “elles ont”?
- Q: How does the use of “ils ont” or “elles ont” change in different tenses?
- Q: Are there any regional variations in the use of “ils ont” or “elles ont”?
A: Use ils for a group of males or a mixed group of males and females. Use elles only for a group consisting entirely of females.
A: In formal writing or when the gender is unknown, it’s often best to rephrase the sentence to avoid using pronouns altogether. In informal speech, ils is generally used as the default.
A: No, there is no difference in pronunciation. Both are pronounced the same: /ilzɔ̃/.
A: No, on is a singular pronoun (meaning “one” or “we” in informal contexts) and takes the verb conjugation “a,” not “ont.”
A: You can use inversion (Ont-ils…?), est-ce que (Est-ce qu’ils ont…?), or intonation (Ils ont…?). Inversion is more formal, while intonation is more informal.
A: Common mistakes include using the wrong conjugation of avoir (e.g., ils est instead of ils ont) and using the wrong pronoun (e.g., using elles for a mixed group).
A: In compound tenses, avoir is used as an auxiliary verb, and the past participle of the main verb must sometimes agree in gender and number with the direct object if it precedes the verb. The pronoun choice (ils or elles) remains the same, based on the gender of the group.
A: No, the usage of ils ont and elles ont is consistent across different French-speaking regions. The rules of grammar remain the same.
Conclusion
Mastering the use of “they have” in French (ils ont and elles ont) is essential for effective communication. Understanding the nuances of pronoun agreement, verb conjugation, and contextual usage will significantly enhance your fluency and accuracy. By paying attention to gender agreement, avoiding common mistakes, and practicing regularly, you can confidently express ownership, characteristics, and actions related to groups of people in French.
Remember to review the conjugation of the verb avoir and practice using it in various contexts. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes – they are a natural part of the learning process. With consistent effort and attention to detail, you will master this fundamental aspect of French grammar and take your language skills to the next level.