Prepositions

• Prepositions are words that specify location, direction, time, manner, or to introduce an object. Their usage is essential in forming grammatically correct sentences.

• In French, common prepositions include à (to), de (from), en (in), avec (with), pour (for), and dans (in).

• It’s crucial to understand that prepositions directly preceding a verb are usually linked with an infinitive, as seen in ‘Je viens de manger’ (I have just eaten).

• Prepositions of place (prépositions de lieu) can dictate where actions occur. For example, dans (in), sur (on), sous (under), devant (in front), derrière (behind), entre (between), parmi (among), etc.

• Remember that often times, prepositions directly influence the articles following them. For example, à + le = au. The same goes for ‘de + le’ = ‘du’.

• Be aware of prepositions followed by geographical names, for instance, ‘en’ is used with feminine countries and all the continents, ‘au’ is used with masculine countries and ‘aux’ is used with countries in plural.

• Temporal prepositions (prépositions de temps) can denote when actions take place. Examples include ‘pendant’ (during), ‘depuis’ (since), ‘en’ (in), ‘à’ (at), ‘pour’ (for), etc.

• Prepositions can also be used to specify a means of transportation. For example ‘Je vais à l’école en bus’ (I go to school by bus). In this case, ‘en’ is used.

• Practice combining verbs with the correct prepositions. Certain French verbs routinely require certain prepositions in order for sentences to make sense, e.g., ‘Jouer à’ (to play a sport or game).

• Phrasal prepositions or prepositional phrases can sometimes function as stand-alone prepositions, such as ‘à cause de’ (because of), ‘prêt à’ (ready to), ‘en face de’ (opposite), ‘à côté de’ (next to).

• Remember to practice as much as possible. Understanding prepositions is one thing, but being able to use them correctly in a sentence will require practice.