'His' breed or 'this' breed?

G B.C1Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor

'His' breed or 'this' breed?

....and like other dogs of his breed.

I wrote "son espèce" but was corrected to cette espèce.

Is this the way it is written in french?


Asked 3 years ago
Jim J.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor

Hi G,

Given that the noun breed refers to a type or race or lineage it would not make sense to assign ownership.

Therefore   "this breed" or "a breed" would be more appropriate as I see it.

This is why I would agree with "cette espèce".

Hope this helps.

Jim

Maarten K.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor

The initial use of the possessive was in the English original to be transcribed - we do indeed use the phrase that way in English. «Son espèce» can also be used in the same manner in French according to my references.

'His' breed or 'this' breed?

....and like other dogs of his breed.

I wrote "son espèce" but was corrected to cette espèce.

Is this the way it is written in french?


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
Thinking...