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by shean_massey 2332 days ago
I really don’t like the example of “monter en haut”. Certain verbs, like “monter” can have very different meanings without the noun.

Monter en haut: to go up (not specifically stairs, contextually maybe, could just as well be an elevator or a tree house ladder for example)

Monter a cheval: to get on a horses back

Monter un meuble: to assemble furniture (think ikea)

The noun here is not irritating, it’s essential.

1 comments

I agree with the sentiment, but it's logically redundant since you cannot possibly “monter en bas”, so you should really just say “je monte”. In context, everybody knows if you're talking about the elevator or a horse (right?), and otherwise you may specify. And you're likely to add something, like “je monte chercher blabla” or “elle est montée depuis une heure”, which usually removes ambiguity.

Also, there are proper ways to say “monter en haut”! — monter à l'étage, monter l'escalier, monter dans sa chambre, etc.

Speaking of which, I find that it's particularly important to speak properly around kids, it reinforces good logic, thoroughness I think. My parents were like that, I've always been like that, and I guess I'll do the same to my kids, haha.

> otherwise you may specify

thanks your majesty, queen of fuckin england was it, yea?