Common Prepositions

The preposition à typically marks a point in space or time, a destination, or an indirect object. It also appears in expressions that specify manner or purpose.

De shows origin, possession, material, cause, or more general relationships. It often introduces complements and appears in partitive constructions.

En marks time periods, means (like transport or material), and locations where you are "in" something. It can also replace phrases that begin with de when part of a larger structure.

Dans indicates a more concrete or delayed location or time, often used for physical placement inside something or for future moments relative to now.

Sur means "on" and is used for physical placement atop surfaces or metaphorical positioning. It can also appear in expressions of topic or direction.

Sous means "under" and marks relative position beneath something, whether literally or figuratively. It helps describe hidden or supporting locations.

Pour expresses purpose, intended recipient, duration, or cause. It introduces reasons and goals and can mark intended use.

Par marks agent in passive constructions, means of doing something, distribution, or cause. It often appears in expressions that highlight manner or origin.

Vers indicates approximate direction, time, or quantity. It suggests movement or estimates rather than exact points.

Chez marks location at someone's place or business, and by extension can indicate professional or habitual association. It personalizes the setting.

French prepositions are short but precise: use à for points and indirect objects, de for origin and possession, en for time and means, dans for concrete locations or future times, and others like sur, sous, pour, par, vers, and chez for specific spatial, temporal, or functional nuances.