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How does the meaning of "à" change when used with different verbs?

The French word "à" is like a little helper that changes what it means depending on the action word it’s used with. Learning how "à" works with different verbs is important for getting better at French. Let’s take a look at some important examples and what they mean.

1. Shows Direction or Destination

When "à" is used with action words, it usually shows where someone is going.

  • Aller à (to go to)
    • Je vais à Paris. (I am going to Paris.)
  • Arriver à (to arrive at)
    • Nous arrivons à la gare. (We are arriving at the station.)

2. Shows Purpose

"À" can also explain why something is done when used with certain verbs.

  • Servir à (to serve to)
    • Ce livre sert à étudier. (This book is for studying.)
  • Aider à (to help to)
    • Je t’aide à faire tes devoirs. (I help you with your homework.)

3. Shows Relationships

When talking about people or connections, "à" has a different job.

  • Parler à (to speak to)
    • Elle parle à son ami. (She talks to her friend.)
  • Téléphoner à (to call)
    • Il téléphone à sa mère. (He calls his mom.)

4. Shows Time

In time-related situations, "à" can point to specific times.

  • Être à (to be at)
    • Je suis à l'école à 8 heures. (I am at school at 8 AM.)
  • Jouer à (to play at)
    • Nous jouons à 15 heures. (We play at 3 PM.)

5. Shows Belonging

"À" can also show ownership or belonging.

  • Appartenir à (to belong to)
    • Ce livre appartient à Marie. (This book belongs to Marie.)
  • Penser à (to think of)
    • Je pense à mes vacances. (I think about my vacations.)

Quiz Section

To practice what you've learned, fill in the blanks using "à" in the right way:

  1. Je vais ___ bibliothèque. (I am going to the library.)

  2. Cet exercice est utile ___ apprendre le français. (This exercise is useful to learn French.)

  3. Elle parle souvent ___ son professeur. (She often speaks to her teacher.)

  4. Je suis ___ réunion à 10 heures. (I am at the meeting at 10 AM.)

  5. Ce vélo appartient ___ mon frère. (This bike belongs to my brother.)

When you understand how "à" changes with different verbs, it will help you speak and understand French better. Remember to pay attention to the context to find the right meaning!

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How does the meaning of "à" change when used with different verbs?

The French word "à" is like a little helper that changes what it means depending on the action word it’s used with. Learning how "à" works with different verbs is important for getting better at French. Let’s take a look at some important examples and what they mean.

1. Shows Direction or Destination

When "à" is used with action words, it usually shows where someone is going.

  • Aller à (to go to)
    • Je vais à Paris. (I am going to Paris.)
  • Arriver à (to arrive at)
    • Nous arrivons à la gare. (We are arriving at the station.)

2. Shows Purpose

"À" can also explain why something is done when used with certain verbs.

  • Servir à (to serve to)
    • Ce livre sert à étudier. (This book is for studying.)
  • Aider à (to help to)
    • Je t’aide à faire tes devoirs. (I help you with your homework.)

3. Shows Relationships

When talking about people or connections, "à" has a different job.

  • Parler à (to speak to)
    • Elle parle à son ami. (She talks to her friend.)
  • Téléphoner à (to call)
    • Il téléphone à sa mère. (He calls his mom.)

4. Shows Time

In time-related situations, "à" can point to specific times.

  • Être à (to be at)
    • Je suis à l'école à 8 heures. (I am at school at 8 AM.)
  • Jouer à (to play at)
    • Nous jouons à 15 heures. (We play at 3 PM.)

5. Shows Belonging

"À" can also show ownership or belonging.

  • Appartenir à (to belong to)
    • Ce livre appartient à Marie. (This book belongs to Marie.)
  • Penser à (to think of)
    • Je pense à mes vacances. (I think about my vacations.)

Quiz Section

To practice what you've learned, fill in the blanks using "à" in the right way:

  1. Je vais ___ bibliothèque. (I am going to the library.)

  2. Cet exercice est utile ___ apprendre le français. (This exercise is useful to learn French.)

  3. Elle parle souvent ___ son professeur. (She often speaks to her teacher.)

  4. Je suis ___ réunion à 10 heures. (I am at the meeting at 10 AM.)

  5. Ce vélo appartient ___ mon frère. (This bike belongs to my brother.)

When you understand how "à" changes with different verbs, it will help you speak and understand French better. Remember to pay attention to the context to find the right meaning!

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