French Phrase
Mets-les sur l'étagère.
Meaning
This phrase is a direct command in the informal 'tu' form, instructing someone to place plural objects onto a specific shelf. It combines the imperative verb 'mettre' (to put) with the direct object pronoun 'les' (them), which refers to items already mentioned in conversation.
When to use
Use this when giving casual directions to friends or family, particularly during chores, tidying up, or organizing a room. It is a common everyday instruction used in domestic or retail settings.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Metslessurl'étagère
Mets (Imperative)
The second-person singular imperative of 'mettre'. Unlike -er verbs, -re verbs like 'mettre' retain the 's' in the tu-command form.
Pronoun Placement
In affirmative commands, the object pronoun (les) is placed after the verb and joined by a hyphen.
L'étagère
A feminine noun meaning shelf. The definite article 'la' elides to 'l'' before a word starting with a vowel.
🗨In Conversation
Où est-ce que je pose ces livres ?
Where should I put these books?
Mets-les sur l'étagère.
Put them on the shelf.
✕Common Mistakes
Mets les sur l'étagère.
In French affirmative imperatives, the pronoun must be attached to the verb with a hyphen.
Mets-leur sur l'étagère.
Use 'les' for direct objects (them); 'leur' is an indirect object pronoun used for people (to them).
↔Alternatives
Pose-les sur l'étagère.
Place them on the shelf.
Range-les sur l'étagère.
Tidy them away on the shelf.
Cultural Tip
In France, 'étagère' refers to an individual shelf, whereas a piece of furniture with many shelves is usually a 'meuble de rangement' or a 'bibliothèque' if it is for books. The informal 'tu' form used here (Mets) is appropriate for peers but would be replaced by 'Mettez' in formal situations or when speaking to multiple people.