Unclear about preposition use

Kalpana S.C1Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor

Unclear about preposition use

I can't find a lesson that explains why, for instance, there is no need for a preposition following the conjugated verb espérer in a sentence such as: "J'espère ne pas faire d'erreurs," whereas a sentence such as "il m'a appris à ne pas avoir faire" requires the "à" after the conjugated verb apprendre, just as "le professeur dit de ne pas parler" requries the "de" after dire. 

I feel stuck with this problem and would appreciate someone's help.

Thanks so much! Kalpana 

 

Asked 2 years ago
Maarten K.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor Correct answer

A difficult area to come to grips with ! Don’t look for reasons why, just try to focus on which verbs need the preposition, and which preposition they need. 

Basically, there are some French verbs that require a preposition following them before a noun or infinitive. Some use à, others de, some both and sometimes this changes the meaning - there is no general way to predict which verbs and which preposition. 

It is a matter of learning/acquiring this as you go along and encounter verbs in context, just as the gender of a noun needs to be learnt/acquired together with the noun itself. Trying to learn lists out of context is very difficult and an unnatural way to acquire a language. There are however many lists of verbs and preposition online to use for reference or to get you started and the following links are good : 

https://www.lawlessfrench.com/grammar/verbs-with-a/   

https://www.lawlessfrench.com/grammar/verbs-with-de/  

https://www.lawlessfrench.com/grammar/a-vs-de-2/

 

Kalpana S.C1Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor

This is really helpful. Thank you so much! --Kalpana

Unclear about preposition use

I can't find a lesson that explains why, for instance, there is no need for a preposition following the conjugated verb espérer in a sentence such as: "J'espère ne pas faire d'erreurs," whereas a sentence such as "il m'a appris à ne pas avoir faire" requires the "à" after the conjugated verb apprendre, just as "le professeur dit de ne pas parler" requries the "de" after dire. 

I feel stuck with this problem and would appreciate someone's help.

Thanks so much! Kalpana 

 

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