5.2.1.2 Position of the pronouns - several conjugated verbs

Again we come back to the basic rule: the pronoun is put before the conjugated verb (see above) or, if there is an infinitive before the infinitive.
If now there are several conjugated verbs? Then, again it is put before the first one.
Where do we have several conjugated verbs? In compound tenses. Even though, we will have a look at the compound tenses a bit later on, just a short summary to know, what to do with the pronoun in these cases.

The present perfect, the French passé composé, is formed with the verb to have (= avoir) and the perfect participle. This actually means, it is formed basically the same way the English present perfect is formed.

Overview  
Personal pronoun conjugated form of to have (avoir) Perfect participle
  I have eaten.
  J' ai mangé.
  You have eaten.
  Tu as mangé.
  He / She has eaten.
  Il / Elle a mangé.
  We have eaten.
  Nous avons mangé.
  You have eaten.
  Vous avez mangé.
  They have eaten.
  Ils / Elles ont mangé.

It does not look too difficult, or does it? However, getting back to the topic of the position of the pronouns: The basic rule says to put it before the first conjugated verb (unless there is an infinitive). In the passé composé there is no infinitive - so, we use the first part of this basic rule.

Position of the pronoun
Subject Pronoun Auxiliary Perfect participle
  I it have eaten.
  Je l' ai mangé.
  You it have eaten.
  Tu l' as mangé.
  He / She it has eaten.
  Il / Elle l' a mangé.
  We it have eaten.
  Nous l' avons mangé.
  You it have eaten.
  Vous l' avez mangé.
  They it have eaten.
  Ils / Elles l' ont mangé.





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