Grammar – AS Level: Prepositions — WJEC A-Level French

Prepositions in French are small but essential words that link nouns, pronouns, or phrases to other parts of a sentence, indicating relationships such as location, time, direction, cause, or possession. At AS Level (WJEC A-Level), mastering prepositions is crucial for constructing accurate and nuanced sentences. Common prepositions include 'à' (to, at), 'de' (of, from), 'en' (in, on), 'dans' (in, inside), 'sur' (on), 'sous' (under), 'avec' (with), 'sans' (without), 'pour' (for), and 'par' (by). Understanding their correct usage, especially with verbs, geographical names, and idiomatic expressions, is key to achieving high marks in both written and spoken French.

Prepositions often have multiple meanings depending on context, and they frequently combine with definite articles to form contracted forms like 'au' (à + le), 'aux' (à + les), 'du' (de + le), and 'des' (de + les). Additionally, prepositions are used after certain verbs (e.g., 'penser à' – to think about, 'rêver de' – to dream of) and in fixed expressions (e.g., 'en voiture' – by car, 'à pied' – on foot). This topic builds on foundational grammar from GCSE and is essential for more advanced structures like the passive voice and relative clauses.

In the WJEC A-Level exam, prepositions are tested across all components: translation, reading comprehension, and writing. Errors in preposition usage can lead to ambiguity or loss of marks, so students must learn them systematically. This guide covers key concepts, common pitfalls, and exam strategies to help you use prepositions with confidence and precision.

• →Contractions with 'à' and 'de': When followed by the definite articles 'le' or 'les', 'à' and 'de' contract: à + le = au, à + les = aux, de + le = du, de + les = des. No contraction occurs with 'la' or 'l''.
• →Prepositions with geographical names: Use 'en' for feminine countries and continents (e.g., en France, en Europe), 'au' for masculine countries (e.g., au Canada), 'aux' for plural countries (e.g., aux États-Unis), and 'à' for cities (e.g., à Paris).
• →Prepositions after verbs: Many French verbs require specific prepositions before an infinitive or object. For example, 'commencer à' (to begin to), 'continuer à/de' (to continue to), 'décider de' (to decide to), 'réussir à' (to succeed in). Memorise these verb-preposition combinations.
• →Prepositions of time: 'à' for specific times (à 8 heures), 'en' for months or years (en janvier, en 2024), 'dans' for 'in' a duration from now (dans deux jours), 'depuis' for 'since' or 'for' (depuis lundi, depuis deux heures).
• →Idiomatic uses: Prepositions often appear in fixed expressions, e.g., 'être en train de' (to be in the middle of), 'avoir besoin de' (to need), 'faire attention à' (to pay attention to). These must be learned as chunks.

• Award credit for correct selection of preposition after verbs (e.g., 'décider de', 'apprendre à') in structured writing tasks.
• Credit accurate use of prepositions with geographical names (e.g., 'en France', 'au Portugal', 'aux États-Unis') and distinction between 'en' and 'au' based on gender.
• Assess application of 'à' or 'de' with an infinitive to express purpose, cause, or manner, ensuring clarity in extended prose.

• 💡Create flashcards grouping verbs by the prepositions they require (à, de, or nothing) to internalise patterns and avoid common collocation errors.
• 💡For geographical prepositions, always verify the gender and number of the place name before selecting 'à', 'au', 'en', or 'aux', and practice with map exercises.
• 💡Learn verb-preposition combinations as vocabulary items: For each new verb, note the preposition it requires. Create flashcards or a table. In the exam, if you are unsure, use a simpler verb you know well to avoid errors.
• 💡Pay attention to context in reading and translation: Prepositions can change meaning. For example, 'à' can mean 'to', 'at', or 'in' depending on context. Read the whole sentence to determine the correct translation.
• 💡In writing, vary your preposition use: Instead of always using 'dans' for location, try 'sur' (on), 'sous' (under), 'devant' (in front of), etc. This shows range and precision, which impresses examiners.

• Confusing 'à' and 'de' after verbs: learners often use 'penser à' when 'penser de' (to have an opinion on) is required, or vice versa.
• Applying 'en' to all countries regardless of gender or number, e.g., saying 'en Canada' instead of 'au Canada' or 'en États-Unis' instead of 'aux États-Unis'.
• Omitting the preposition before an infinitive in constructions like 'avant de faire' or using 'pour' instead of 'à' in 'apprendre à nager'.
• Confusing 'dans' and 'en': 'Dans' means 'inside' a physical space (dans la maison) or a specific time frame (dans une heure), while 'en' is used for means of transport (en voiture), materials (en bois), or durations (en été). Avoid using 'en' for physical location inside something.
• Forgetting contractions: Students often write 'à le' or 'de le' instead of 'au' or 'du'. This is a basic error that loses marks. Always contract when 'à' or 'de' is followed by 'le' or 'les'.
• Overusing 'de' after negative expressions: In negative sentences, 'de' replaces the indefinite article (e.g., 'Je n'ai pas de livre'), but this does not apply to other prepositions. For example, 'Je ne parle pas à mon frère' (not 'de').