Meaning
To provide a response to an inquiry.
Cultural Background
In French schools, students are expected to answer in full sentences, often starting with 'Je réponds à la question...'. The usage is identical, but the pronunciation of 'répondre' might be slightly more nasal.
The 'à' rule
Always treat 'répondre' as a pair with 'à'. Never separate them.
Don't translate literally
English speakers often forget the 'à' because it's not in the English phrase.
Meaning
To provide a response to an inquiry.
The 'à' rule
Always treat 'répondre' as a pair with 'à'. Never separate them.
Don't translate literally
English speakers often forget the 'à' because it's not in the English phrase.
Use it in interviews
Using 'Je vais répondre à votre question' sounds very professional.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct preposition.
Il doit répondre ___ une question.
The verb 'répondre' always takes 'à'.
Which sentence is correct?
Choose the correct sentence.
The preposition 'à' is mandatory.
Match the verb with the correct preposition.
Répondre + ?
Répondre à is the correct collocation.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Peux-tu répondre à la question ? B: Oui, je ___ à la question.
Conjugation for 'je' is 'réponds'.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesIl doit répondre ___ une question.
The verb 'répondre' always takes 'à'.
Choose the correct sentence.
The preposition 'à' is mandatory.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Répondre à is the correct collocation.
A: Peux-tu répondre à la question ? B: Oui, je ___ à la question.
Conjugation for 'je' is 'réponds'.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
8 questionsNo, that is incorrect. You must use 'à'.
It is neutral and used in all contexts.
You can say 'Je ne peux pas répondre à cette question'.
Yes, 'J'ai répondu à la question'.
Yes, 'Je réponds à votre question par email'.
Yes, 'au' is 'à + le'. Use 'à la' for feminine nouns.
Yes, 'Je réponds à mon ami'.
Because the verb and preposition are always linked.
Related Phrases
Donner une réponse
synonymTo give an answer
Répondre au téléphone
similarTo answer the phone
Apporter une réponse
specialized formTo provide an answer
