Mastering French Prepositions: "Sur" and "Sous"

Learning French is not just about vocabulary—it's also about understanding how to use prepositions. Prepositions are short words that help us connect objects, people, and places in our sentences.

In this post, we'll focus on two important French prepositions: "sur" (which means "on") and "sous" (which means "under"). We'll also look at some other common prepositions.

Basic Prepositions to Know

Here are some basic French prepositions that can help you:

1. à - to, at
2. de - of, from
3. dans - in
4. sur - on
5. sous - under
6. devant - in front of
7. derrière - behind

How to Use "Sur" and "Sous"

When you use "sur" and "sous," you're explaining where something is. Let’s see how to use them:

Using "Sur"

• Example Sentence: Le livre est sur la table. (The book is on the table.)

• Structure: [Subject] + [verb] + "sur" + [object].

  • Example: Le chat est assis sur la chaise. (The cat is sitting on the chair.)

• Adding Details:

  • Example: Le vase est sur la table en bois. (The vase is on the wooden table.)

Using "Sous"

• Example Sentence: Le chien est sous le lit. (The dog is under the bed.)

• Structure: [Subject] + [verb] + "sous" + [object].

  • Example: Les chaussures sont sous la table. (The shoes are under the table.)

• Adding More Details:

  • Example: Le chat se cache sous le vieux canapé. (The cat is hiding under the old sofa.)

Putting "Sur" and "Sous" in One Sentence

You can also combine "sur" and "sous" in a single sentence to show where different things are.

• Example: Le livre est sur la table et le chien est sous la table. (The book is on the table, and the dog is under the table.)

Structuring Your Descriptions

When using more than one preposition, it helps to stay organized. Here’s a simple way to do it:

1. Find the subject.
2. Show the action.
3. Use "sur," "sous," or both to show the position.
4. Add extra details if you want.

Practice Sentences

Try using these practice sentences with "sur," "sous," and other prepositions:

1. Le papillon est sur la fleur. (The butterfly is on the flower.)
2. La balle est sous le canapé. (The ball is under the couch.)
3. La photo est sur le mur et le meuble est sous la fenêtre. (The picture is on the wall, and the furniture is under the window.)
4. Les livres sont sur l'étagère, et le cahier est sous la pile. (The books are on the shelf, and the notebook is under the pile.)

Conclusion

In conclusion, using "sur" and "sous" correctly can really improve your French. Remember this structure: [subject] + [verb] + [preposition] + [object].

By practicing these sentences, you'll get better at sharing your ideas in French. Try changing your words and mixing up your sentences, and you'll see your skills grow!