Forum Rocket French French Grammar in french 1, 3.3, clarie says "Allez, monte" why conjugation is different?

in french 1, 3.3, clarie says "Allez, monte" why conjugation is different?

WeizhiW

WeizhiW

why not “allez, montez”, the original one, "Allez, monte", seems like changed from Vous to tu.

Jonathan-Rocket-Languages

Jonathan-Rocket-Languages

Hi WeizhiW, 

Great question!

In French, the phrase Allez, monte indeed mixes two different subjects: vous (formal or plural "you") and tu (informal singular "you"). Here’s why this happens:

  • Allez is the imperative form of the verb aller for vous. It is used to give a command or make a request to more than one person or to someone in a formal context.
  • Monte is the imperative form of the verb monter for tu. It is used to give a command or make a request to one person in an informal context.

The phrase Allez, monte is an example of how spoken language often mixes levels of formality for various reasons. In this case, Allez is used to grab attention or provide emphasis in a way that feels more encouraging, while monte directly addresses one person in a familiar, informal way.

So, while Allez, montez would be the consistent, grammatically correct form for addressing a group or using formal address, Allez, monte combines the encouragement with a direct, personal command. This mixed form is quite common in casual spoken French.

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