Navigating the Maze: Tricky French Prepositions (a, de, en, dans)

Target: 1,800+ words

Prepositions are the smallest words in the French language—"a", "de", "en", "dans", "pour", "par"—but they cause the biggest headaches for learners. Why do you say "Penser a" but "Rever de"? Why are you going "au Canada" but "en France"?

Direct translation from English is guaranteed to fail. You must learn French prepositions as part of larger grammatical structures. Here is your definitive guide to untangling the most confusing prepositions.

Part 1: Geography and Travel (a, en, au, aux)

The rules for cities, countries, and continents are highly structured based on the destination's "gender."

Navigating the Maze: Tricky French Prepositions (a, de, en, dans)

Navigating the Maze: Tricky French Prepositions (a, de, en, dans)

Part 1: Geography and Travel (a, en, au, aux)

Book a session with a PrepMyFrench teacher

PrepMyFrench Ebooks

Recorded French Courses

1. Cities: Always use "à"

2. Feminine Countries (end in -e) & Continents: Use "en"

3. Masculine Countries (don't end in -e): Use "au"

4. Plural Countries: Use "aux"

Part 2: Time and Duration (Pendant, Depuis, Pour, En, Dans)

1. Depuis (Since / For an ongoing action)

2. Pendant (For a completed duration)

3. Pour (For a future intention/duration)

4. En vs. Dans (How much time it takes vs. When it will happen)

Aiming for CLB 7+?

Part 3: The Big Two: "a" vs. "de" after Verbs

Verbs followed by "à" (Often implies tendency, progression, or learning)

Verbs followed by "de" (Often implies origin, separation, or emotion)

Part 4: Materials and Transportation (En vs. Par)

1. Transportation

2. Materials

Aiming for CLB 7+?

Part 5: Common Traps and Nuances

Conclusion

Master A1 French in 60 Days

Master A2 French in 60 Days

Master B1 French in 60 Days

Master B2 French in 60 Days