French Pronouns Y and EN
Do you ever think it’s easier just to avoid the French pronouns Y and EN altogether because you can still make your point without using them? That can be a tempting solution! However, you’ll soon find that every native French speaker uses them consistently throughout their conversations. You can download a free PDF of this lesson guide in my private French Grammar Library.
3 main reasons why it’s important to learn how to use the French pronouns Y and EN:
1. They are commonly used in French: The pronouns Y and EN are very common in the French language and are used in a variety of situations, especially when talking about places, quantities, and things.
2. They can replace entire phrases: Y and EN can be used to replace entire phrases in French, making your speech more concise and efficient.
3. They will improve your fluency: Mastering the use of Y and EN can help improve your French fluency and make your speech more natural.
Check out my video lesson below on the French pronouns Y and EN, where I go into more detail about how to use them correctly.
TOP 5 RULES FOR USING THE PRONOUN Y
1. Y is used to replace a prepositional phrase that indicates a place. For example, “Je vais à Paris” can be replaced with “J’y vais.”
2. Y can also be used to replace an entire phrase that begins with “à” or “chez.” For example, “Je vais à la bibliothèque” can be replaced with “J’y vais” and “Je vais chez mon ami” can be replaced with “J’y vais.”
3. Y can also be used to replace expressions like “à cela” or “à ce sujet.” For example, “Je n’ai pas pensé à cela” can be replaced with “Je n’y ai pas pensé.”
4. Y can be placed before the verb or attached to an infinitive. For example, “Je vais y aller” or “J’y vais.”
5. Y can never be used to replace a person.
TOP 5 RULES FOR USING THE PRONOUN EN
1. EN is used to replace a prepositional phrase that indicates a quantity. For example, “Je veux trois pommes” can be replaced with “J’en veux trois.”
2. EN can also be used to replace an entire phrase that begins with “de.” For example, “Je parle de mon travail” can be replaced with “J’en parle.”
3. EN can also be used to replace expressions like “du” or “de la.” For example, “Je bois du café” can be replaced with “J’en bois.”
4. EN can be placed before the verb or attached to an infinitive. For example, “Je vais en acheter” or “J’en achète.”
5. EN can sometimes replace places when they are preceded by “de”. For example, “Je reviens de la banque” can be replaced by “J’en reviens.”
Video Lesson – French Pronouns Y and EN
