Some meanings of the English verb to address differ from the usual meanings of the French verb address (which is also written, him, with a single d). They are false friends and as such, we should be wary of them. In reality, it is possible to easily avoid them.
We can of course send compliments, critics, excuses, Criticisms, greeting ; speak to someone ; address a question to a minister, refer a patient to a specialist (and not the “refer”), address an envelope Where a package.
But the other meanings of the verb to address are considered anglicisms. Thus, we will not say “address a problem”, but rather (depending on the context) tackle an issue, a question, tackling a problem, to a task, tackle a task, take care of a problem, take charge of a problem. Provide, find a solution.
As we can see, the French equivalents making it possible to avoid this fault are not lacking. We can still examine, adjust, to resolve, treat a difficulty, a problem, a question. Process a document, a complaint. Study a problem, look into a problem. Discuss a question. Explore a question. Solve a case.
We will not say either “address a task”, but, once again, rather tackle a task, tackle a task.
Finally, we do not address an audience either, we rather address To him. Speak in front of the audience.
What about the verb solve ? It is always criticized and we should still avoid it in writing. It would be better to use to resolve, in place.
We also translate State of the Union Address, this “address given by the President of the United States to Congress on January 3 of each year, at the beginning of the parliamentary session”, by State of the Union speech, with a u uppercase to word union.
Sympathies or condolences?
” When someone dies, we often hear “my sympathies”. So what is the exact term, My sympathies Where my condolences ? “
Reply
Word sympathy can be used in condolence formulas, but in the singular. So we can to show sympathy, give marks, expressions of sympathy, send a message of sympathy. Believe in my sympathy.
It is in English that it is used in the plural (you have my deepest sympathies). the Larousse translates this sentence by the wording all my condolences.
To offer condolences is grieve with someone, take part in his pain after the death of a loved one. Can also Express, to offer Where send condolences (the word, feminine, is used in the plural). The family will receive condolences before the ceremony.