Common Uses of French Prepositions for English Speakers
Understanding French Prepositions
French prepositions are words that link elements of a sentence, typically indicating a relationship in space or time, such as "in," "at," "on," or "from." Understanding their usage is vital because incorrect use can lead to misunderstandings.
Common French Prepositions and Their Uses
Prepositions of Place
French prepositions of place specify the location of a noun. These help you describe where something is situated relative to something else.
dans
in
sur
on
sous
under
derrière
behind
Prepositions of Time
Using prepositions of time in French indicates when something happens. They help convey details about events and actions in relation to time.
avant
before
après
after
pendant
during
jusqu'à
until
Using Prepositions with Verbs
Some French verbs are inherently linked with specific prepositions that can change the meaning or clarify the relationship of the verb to its objects.
penser à
to think about
chercher
to look for
parler de
to talk about
Handling Complex Prepositions
Complex prepositions are phrases that act as a single preposition. They often convey more detailed relationships between sentence elements.
en face de
in front of
au nom de
on behalf of
selon
according to
Tips for Learning French Prepositions
- Practice with flashcards
- Use prepositions in sentences
- Listen to native speakers
- Read French texts aloud
Further Reading
- Understanding French Prepositions
A comprehensive guide on French prepositions from French Today.
- French Prepositions Guide
Learn about the varied types of French prepositions on Laura Lawless's site.
- Ultimate Guide to French Prepositions
Explore common uses and meanings of French prepositions.
- Prepositions in French
Grammar explanations from Collins Dictionary.
- Introduction to French Prepositions
A beginner-friendly introduction on ThoughtCo.