Prepositions

The prepositions, 'en' and 'à' mean both 'to' and 'in' when used with countries, continents, mountain ranges, cities or towns.

Some verbs in French can be followed by 'à' or 'de' plus either a noun or an infinitive. For example, 'jouer d'un instrument' (to play an instrument).

To show possession in French, the preposition 'de' is used. Unlike in English, French does not use apostrophes to show possession.

When the preposition 'pour' (for) is followed by an infinitive it means 'in order to'. When 'sans' (without) is followed by an infinitive it means 'without (eg) doing'.

Use 'avant de' followed by an infinitive to mean ‘before (eg doing)’. Use 'après avoir' followed by a past participle to mean ‘after (eg doing)’.