Is the use of "on" or "nous" purely a matter of choice? How do I know when to use "on" or "nous," if not specified.

AdrienneC1Kwiziq community member

Is the use of "on" or "nous" purely a matter of choice? How do I know when to use "on" or "nous," if not specified.

Asked 5 years ago
ChrisC1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor Correct answer
The use of "on" meaning "we" is mostly a choice of register. In colloquial and everyday French, you hear "on" more often then "nous". However, if you use "on" in its meaning of an impersonal "one" then there is no alternative.

Is the use of "on" or "nous" purely a matter of choice? How do I know when to use "on" or "nous," if not specified.

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