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Using prepositions of time Exercises in French language

Practicing structured conversations for language exams.

Mastering prepositions of time in French is essential for effective communication and comprehension. These small but significant words help you articulate when events occur, linking actions to specific moments in time. Whether you’re talking about your weekend plans, scheduling a meeting, or recounting a past event, knowing how to correctly use prepositions like "à," "en," "dans," and "pendant" will enhance your fluency and ensure that your messages are both clear and precise. In this section, we will delve into the rules and nuances of using French prepositions of time. Through a series of exercises, you will practice applying these prepositions in various contexts. From understanding the difference between "depuis" and "il y a" to mastering the subtle distinctions between "pour" and "pendant," these exercises are designed to build your confidence and accuracy. By the end of these activities, you will be well-equipped to convey temporal information in French with ease and correctness.

Exercise 1

1. Nous allons partir *à* 8 heures (preposition for a specific time). 2. Elle travaille *depuis* 2015 dans cette entreprise (preposition indicating the starting point in time). 3. Il arrive *en* janvier (preposition used with months). 4. Je vais finir ce projet *pour* demain (preposition indicating a deadline). 5. Ils se sont rencontrés *pendant* les vacances d'été (preposition indicating the duration of an event). 6. Il étudie *jusqu'à* minuit (preposition indicating an end point in time). 7. Nous partons en vacances *dans* trois jours (preposition indicating the time remaining before an event). 8. Elle a vécu à Paris *pendant* cinq ans (preposition indicating the duration of an event). 9. Le magasin est fermé *le* dimanche (preposition used with days of the week). 10. Je vais courir *avant* le déjeuner (preposition indicating a time before another event).

Exercise 2

1. Marie va toujours à la piscine *le* dimanche (specific day of the week). 2. Nous avons rendez-vous *à* 14h00 (specific time). 3. Je travaille *depuis* trois heures ce matin (duration of an action starting in the past and continuing to the present). 4. Ils sont partis *en* juin pour les vacances (specific month). 5. Elle revient *dans* une semaine (future duration). 6. Nous avons dîné ensemble *à* midi (specific time of day). 7. Je vais en France *pour* deux semaines (duration of a planned action). 8. Le cours commence *à* 8h30 (specific time). 9. Il a vécu en Italie *pendant* six mois (duration of a completed action in the past). 10. Vous pouvez me joindre *vers* 17h00 (approximate time).

Exercise 3

1. Elle va au marché *le matin* (Time of day). 2. Nous avons rendez-vous *à midi* (Time on the clock). 3. Ils partent en vacances *en août* (Month of the year). 4. Le cours commence *à 9 heures* (Exact time). 5. Je finis mon travail *à 17 heures* (Exact time). 6. Il étudie toujours *le soir* (Time of day). 7. Nous nous retrouverons *à Noël* (Holiday season). 8. Elle est née *en 1990* (Year). 9. Ils se sont mariés *en juin* (Month of the year). 10. Le magasin est fermé *le dimanche* (Day of the week).