ils lui ont donné leur nom. (Exercise: Un vol en montgolfière)

Question

Hi Jim,Thanks very much for your response.  My query was based on my understanding that, 'lui' referred to their invention- the hot air balloon, which is inanimate. Further clarification would be welcome.

Accepted Answer

Bonjour Andrea,
Both Chris and Jim are right! In this case, "la montgolfière" is being referred to as "lui / her" as they explained why above. Also, in this case, the fact that the expression "donner quelque chose à quelqu'un" (i.e "donner leur nom à la montgolfière") is used makes the hot air balloon an "animate object".  
I hope this is helpful.
Bonne journée !

Answer

Salut de nouveau Andrea,"Rules are there to be broken" The purist will say "no". The pragmatist will say "maybe".I guess you will have noticed that the English conjunction "and" is sometimes used to start a sentence -- Quelle horreur!I have heard a motor car and aircraft being referred to as "she".Et voilà  --  c'est la vie.Bonne journéeJim

Answer

And a common phrase in the US at the gas station is to say "Fill'er up!", meaning "Fill her up" with reference to the car.