3.1.4

'Y' & 'En'

Test yourself

'Y' and 'En'

Illustrative background for Uses of 'y'Illustrative background for Uses of 'y' ?? "content

Uses of 'y'

  • 'Y' can be used to mean there.
  • It is used to talk about a location that has already been mentioned.
    • Elle va à l'école → Elle y va.
      • She is going to school → she goes there.
  • It can also mean 'it' or 'them' with verbs that are followed by 'à'.
    • Je travaille à l'université → J'y travaille.
      • I work at the university → I work there.
Illustrative background for More uses of 'y'Illustrative background for More uses of 'y' ?? "content

More uses of 'y'

  • It is also used in some common expressions.
    • Il y a...
      • There is...
    • Vas-y.
      • Do it!, go on!
    • Allons-y, on y va.
      • Let's go.
Illustrative background for En - of it, of them, some, anyIllustrative background for En - of it, of them, some, any ?? "content

En - of it, of them, some, any

  • 'En' has a variety of meanings depending on the context.
  • It replaces words about quantity and any words with 'de'.
    • J'ai besoin de pain → J'en ai besoin.
      • I need bread → I need it.
    • J'ai mangé du gâteau → J'en ai mangé.
      • I ate some cake → I ate some.

Jump to other topics

1Identity & Culture

2Areas of Interest

3Study & Employment

4Common Tenses

4.1Present Tense

4.2Perfect Tense

4.3Imperfect Tense

4.4Imperfect vs Perfect

4.5Future Tense

5Advanced Tenses

6Extra Grammar

Go student ad image

Unlock your full potential with GoStudent tutoring

  • Affordable 1:1 tutoring from the comfort of your home

  • Tutors are matched to your specific learning needs

  • 30+ school subjects covered

Book a free trial lesson