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Chapter 13 – Prepositions

In the introduction to the chapter, the nature of prepositions, as well as their function within the sentence, is explained, after which some specific differences between French and English usage are described. For example, where in French prepositions are followed by the infinitive, English uses the gerund. Four brief sections follow, which clarify such matters as the coordination of prepositions, verbs followed by prepositions and differentiating between adverbs and prepositions. The next section describes, in separate sub-sections, fifty-six of the most common prepositions (à, chez, dans, de, en etc.) and their uses. Finally, a table lists those prepositions which translate ‘in’ or ‘to’ with geographical names, giving examples. The last part of the chapter contains a passage that is new to this edition, which exemplifies many prepositional phrases; these are then analysed. At the end of the chapter there are five exercises for grammar practice.

Exercise 1

Exercise 2

Exercise 3

Exercise 4

Exercise 5

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