Pick a language and start learning!
Contracts of articles with prepositions Exercises in French language
Mastering the use of articles with prepositions in French is a crucial step in achieving fluency. Articles in French, whether definite or indefinite, often change form when combined with prepositions, creating contractions that can be tricky for non-native speakers. Understanding these contractions is essential for constructing grammatically correct sentences and conveying precise meanings. This topic covers the fundamental rules and provides practice exercises to help you internalize the patterns and exceptions.
In French, certain prepositions, when followed by definite articles, merge to form a single, contracted word. For example, "à" (to) and "le" (the) contract to become "au," while "de" (of/from) and "les" (the) contract to form "des." These contractions are not just a matter of convention but are mandatory in French grammar. Neglecting them can lead to misunderstandings and mark you as a beginner. Through a series of targeted exercises, you will learn how to correctly use these contractions, enhancing both your written and spoken French.
Exercise 1
<p>1. Elle va *au* marché pour acheter des fruits (to the market).</p>
<p>2. Nous allons *à l'*école tous les jours (to the school).</p>
<p>3. Ils vont *aux* États-Unis pour les vacances (to the United States).</p>
<p>4. Je parle souvent *du* livre que j'ai lu (about the book).</p>
<p>5. Elle revient *de la* plage avec un joli bronzage (from the beach).</p>
<p>6. Nous pensons *à la* situation actuelle (about the situation).</p>
<p>7. Il s'intéresse *au* sport depuis son enfance (in the sport).</p>
<p>8. Elle se souvient *de l'*événement comme si c'était hier (about the event).</p>
<p>9. Ils sont partis *des* Alpes hier soir (from the Alps).</p>
<p>10. Nous avons assisté *à l'*opéra hier soir (to the opera).</p>
Exercise 2
<p>1. Elle va *au* marché (preposition + le).</p>
<p>2. Nous partons *à la* plage demain (preposition + la).</p>
<p>3. Il est allé *aux* États-Unis l'année dernière (preposition + les).</p>
<p>4. Je pense souvent *à l'*avenir (preposition + l').</p>
<p>5. Elle a parlé *du* film qu'elle a vu (preposition + de le).</p>
<p>6. Ils viennent *de la* montagne (preposition + la).</p>
<p>7. Nous parlons *des* projets pour les vacances (preposition + de les).</p>
<p>8. Il revient *de l'*école (preposition + de l').</p>
<p>9. Elle habite *au* centre-ville (preposition + le).</p>
<p>10. Je rêve souvent *de la* mer (preposition + la).</p>
Exercise 3
<p>1. Je vais *à l'*école (preposition 'to' and definite article for 'school').</p>
<p>2. Il parle souvent *de la* politique (preposition 'about' and definite article for 'politics').</p>
<p>3. Nous avons besoin *de l'*eau pour boire (preposition 'of' and definite article for 'water').</p>
<p>4. Elle revient *du* marché (preposition 'from' and definite article for 'market').</p>
<p>5. Ils jouent *aux* échecs tous les dimanches (preposition 'at' and definite article for 'chess').</p>
<p>6. Tu penses *à la* proposition (preposition 'about' and definite article for 'proposal').</p>
<p>7. Elle s'occupe *des* enfants (preposition 'of' and definite article for 'children').</p>
<p>8. Nous assistons *à l'*événement demain (preposition 'at' and definite article for 'event').</p>
<p>9. Vous parlez souvent *du* projet (preposition 'about' and definite article for 'project').</p>
<p>10. Il se souvient *des* vacances passées (preposition 'of' and definite article for 'holidays').</p>
5x Faster Language Learning with AI
Talkpal is AI-powered language tutor. Learn 57+ languages 5x faster with innovative technology.