Understanding the Prepositional System in French for English Speakers

What are Prepositions in French?

Prepositions are words or groups of words indicating relationships between elements in a sentence. In French, as in English, they can describe location, time, means, and many other relations.

Common French Prepositions

Some of the most commonly used prepositions in French include à (to, at, in), de (of, from), en (in, on), avec (with), and pour (for). Each of these prepositions can have different meanings based on context.

Differences Between English and French Prepositions

While there are direct equivalents for many English prepositions in French, the usage can differ significantly. For instance, the preposition en is often used where English might use 'in' for locations or times, but French doesn't always match English verb-preposition patterns.

How to Use French Prepositions

Prepositions in French are typically followed by a noun or pronoun and never by a verb unless that verb is in the infinitive form. For example, "Je vais à Paris" means "I am going to Paris."

Prepositions of Place

Prepositions of place such as sur (on), sous (under), devant (in front of), and derrière (behind) are essential for giving directions and describing spatial relationships.

Prepositions of Time

Prepositions such as depuis (since), pendant (during), and jusqu'à (until) help specify when an action takes place, aiding in the more precise expression of temporality in French.

• avant (before)
• après (after)
• durant (during)