What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is made of merci, meaning thanks, de, meaning for, me, meaning me and prévenir, meaning to warn or notify in advance.
Which one should you use?
A more neutral verb meaning to inform is also common when there is no idea of a warning or prior notice. For news already given, use the past form merci de m'avoir prévenu. Merci de m'avoir informé(e) is a polite option for formal contexts.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
merci de m'avoir prévenu often sounds slightly more formal and polished in professional correspondence than merci de me prévenir. Je vous suis reconnaissant(e) de m'avoir tenu(e) informé(e) is an elaborate formal expression meaning I am grateful to you for keeping me informed, while Je te suis reconnaissant(e) de m'avoir tenu(e) au courant is used with a friend.
How does it change in a sentence?
When the action is already done, the past participle agrees with the speaker: merci de m'avoir prévenu for a man, with an extra final e in writing for a woman.
Did you know?
- The word merci actually shares its roots with the concept of a 'fee' or 'wages' rather than just gratitude, originating from the Latin word mercēdem.
Examples in context
- Merci de m'avoir informé(e) de l'annulation du rendez-vous.Thank you for letting me know about the cancellation of the appointment.
- Merci de m'avoir prévenu(e) que le concert était annulé.Thank you for warning me that the concert was canceled.
- Je tiens à vous remercier de m'avoir fait savoir que ma commande est en cours de livraison.I would like to thank you for letting me know that my order is being delivered.
- Merci de me prévenir si vous changez d'avis.Thank you for letting me know if you change your mind.
- Merci de me prévenir de l'annulation.Thank you for letting me know about the cancellation.
- Merci de me prévenir si tu arrives en retard.Thank you for letting me know if you arrive late.
Example conversation
Léa tells Gabriel that the meeting has been cancelled.
- LéaGabriel, la réunion de demain est annulée.Gabriel, tomorrow's meeting is cancelled.
- GabrielAh bon ? Merci de me prévenir, Léa.Oh really? Thank you for letting me know, Léa.
- LéaJe t'en prie, je voulais être sûre.You're welcome, I wanted to be sure.
- GabrielC'est noté, à bientôt alors.Got it, see you soon then.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries de, me, merci, prévenir, CC BY-SA 4.0.
