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Apporter vs. emporter

PRACTICE

Objectifs de la leçon

1. to understand the difference between apporter and emporter
2. to learn when to use these verbs

Niveau

B1 - niveau seuil (intermediate)

Introduction

As you will notice, the verbs apporter and emporter are formed of the core verb porter and a prefix. It is therefore important to know the meaning of both components.

Porter

The core verb porter means "to carry", or “to wear” an item of clothing.

- Je porte mon sac.
I am carrying my bag.

- Les élèves portent un uniforme.
The pupils wear a uniform.

Apporter

In apporter, the prefix "a-" is used to emphasize the destination.
Apporter means "to bring" something to a place, leaving it there. It does not apply to people, only to objects. For people, we use amener. (Please refer to my video on amener/emmener).
Apporter also means to provide or to give (to give support, for example).

- Je t'ai apporté des chocolats.
I brought you some chocolates.

- Il apporte une réponse claire à ce problème.
He is providing a clear answer to this problem.

Emporter

In emporter, the prefix "em-" is used to emphasize the starting point.
Emporter refers to leaving a place and taking something with you. It does not apply to people, only to objects. For people, we use emmener (Please refer to my video on amener/emmener).

- J'ai emporté des vêtements chauds.
I took warm clothes with me.

- Nous emportons tout ce dont nous avons besoin.
We are taking everything we need with us.

Pratique

Please complete the sentences using the right verb: porter, emporter or apporter.

1. Tom _________ un pull rouge.

2. Ils partent en vacances et ___________ une seule valise.

3. Elle ___________ des chocolats aux enfants.

4. Ce sac est lourd à ____________.

5. Le professeur ____________ son soutien aux élèves.

6. Plat à ___________

7. Tu __________ toujours trop de choses quand tu pars en voyage.

8. Hier, nous avons mangé chez Paul. Nous avons ____________ un gâteau.

    Réponses

    1. Tom porte un pull rouge.
    Tom is wearing a red jumper.

    2. Ils partent en vacances et emportent une seule valise.
    They are going on holiday and taking only one suitcase with them.

    3. Elle apporte des chocolats aux enfants.
    She is bringing some chocolates to the children.

    4. Ce sac est lourd à porter.
    This bag is heavy to carry.

    5. Le professeur apporte son soutien aux élèves.
    The teacher is lending his support to the pupils.

    6. Plats à emporter.
    Take away meals.

    7. Tu emportes toujours trop de choses quand tu pars en voyage.
    You are always taking too many things when you go travelling.

    8. Hier, nous avons mangé chez Paul. Nous avons apporté un gâteau.
    Yesterday, we ate at Paul's. We brought a cake.