Essential French Verbs with Prepositions: A Quick Guide
French verbs with prepositions can be tricky for learners. Unlike in English, the choice of preposition in French depends on the verb, not what follows it.
This guide will help you understand and use these verbs correctly.
Verbs with 'À'
Many French verbs require the preposition 'à' before a noun or infinitive. Here are some common examples:
- s'habituer à (to get used to)
- réussir à (to succeed in)
- penser à (to think about)
Example: Je m'habitue à la vie parisienne. (I'm getting used to Parisian life.)
Verbs with 'De'
Another large group of verbs uses the preposition 'de'. Some frequently used verbs in this category include:
- décider de (to decide to)
- essayer de (to try to)
- finir de (to finish)
Example: Il a décidé de partir tôt. (He decided to leave early.)
Other Prepositions
Some verbs use other prepositions like 'dans', 'pour', or 'sur'. For instance:
- croire en (to believe in)
- compter sur (to count on)
- lutter contre (to fight against)
Example: Nous comptons sur votre aide. (We're counting on your help.)
Verbs Without Prepositions
Interestingly, some French verbs don't need a preposition, even when their English equivalents do. For example:
- écouter (to listen to)
- attendre (to wait for)
- chercher (to look for)
Example: J'écoute la radio. (I'm listening to the radio.)
Practice Makes Perfect
Learning these verbs and their prepositions takes time and practice.
Regular exposure to French content and consistent practice will help you master these structures.