FR: Choisis-en un

[star5432]

I saw these two sentences on a grammar website (http://bdl.oqlf.gouv.qc.ca/bdl/gabarit_bdl.asp?Th=2&t1=&id=3513&D=En) while trying to understand the usage of "En." However, I do not understand why "en" must be used in these two sentences. It seems redundant to me. Could someone please explain? Thanks!

Example 1: Tu voudrais un nouveau chandail? Choisis-en un, je te le paye.
Example 2: J’adore tes histoires. Racontes-en encore une!

 

[ascoltate]

Unlike in English, where we have the choice between:
"I have one." and "I have one of them."
"She bought three." and "She bought three of those."
-- or the like, in French, you must explicitly include this "of them/of those/of it" part, which is what "en" is. So,
"j'en ai un" (NOT j'ai un)
"elle en a acheté trois" (NOT elle a acheté trois)

etc.

This is true whenever you say a number but you don't want to explicitly say what the object that is being counted is.

 

[star5432]

ooooo okay wow that makes it clear, finally! Grazie ascoltate...