Why the "de" after rencontré when rencontrer takes a direct object?

LeahC1Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor

Why the "de" after rencontré when rencontrer takes a direct object?

j'ai rencontré de votre mère....


je l'ai rencontré  is correct so I don't understand.


Asked 3 years ago
CécileKwiziq team memberCorrect answer

Hi Leah, 

Thank you for bringing our attention to this as it is an error that I have now corrected -

J'ai rencontré votre mère

is correct 

or 

J'ai fait la connaissance de votre mère 

J'ai fait la rencontre de votre mère

JohnC1Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor

Hi Cécile,

Despite the rule that penser takes the indicative unless used in the interrogative or negative, couldn't the phrase "je commençais à penser que je..." express sufficient doubt for the subjunctive to apply? 

John

CécileKwiziq team member

Hi John,

You could, but the use of the subjunctive when not strictly required can sound  highfalutin and you could also argue that the doubt is dispersed by the fact that the speaker has now met someone.

I personally wouldn't have used it.

Bonne Continuation!

Why the "de" after rencontré when rencontrer takes a direct object?

j'ai rencontré de votre mère....


je l'ai rencontré  is correct so I don't understand.


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