Do I always have to use " en silence " instead of " silencieusement " ?

CrystalMaiden 7.C1Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor

Do I always have to use " en silence " instead of " silencieusement " ?

Asked 6 years ago
Chris W.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor

en silence -- in silence
silensieusement -- silently

Je monte les éscaliers en silence -- I go up the stairs in silence.
Je monte les éscaliers silencieusement -- I go silently up the stairs.

There is a slight difference in meaning. The first one means that you are not speaking while going up the stairs, whereas the second sentence means you take care not to make any noise. But if you always had to use "en silence", what use would the word "silencieusement" have? ;)

-- Chris (not a native speaker).

Chioma N.A1Kwiziq community member

Merci beaucoup!

Do I always have to use " en silence " instead of " silencieusement " ?

Sign in to submit your answer

Don't have an account yet? Join today

Ask a question

Find your French level for FREE

Test your French to the CEFR standard

Find your French level
Getting that for you now...