Using ‘depuis’ and ‘il y a’

Judy B.C1Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor

Using ‘depuis’ and ‘il y a’

Can I use these words interchangeably?

This question relates to:French lesson "Using the present tense (Le Présent) - and not the compound past (Le Passé Composé) - in sentences with "depuis" (since/for) in French (French Prepositions of Time)"

Asked 6 years ago

Like0Answer2

CécileNative French expert teacher in KwiziqCorrect answer

Hi judy,

The simple answer is no.

Take a look at the following lesson on how to use 'il y a' meaning 'ago'.

https://progress.lawlessfrench.com/revision/grammar/expressions-of-time-il-y-a-duration-ago

Hope this helps!

Like06 years ago

Chris W.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor

Je vis en France depuis 10 ans. -- I've been living in France for 10 years.
J'ai vécu en France il y a 10 ans. -- I lived in France 10 years ago.

Like06 years ago

Judy B. asked:

Using ‘depuis’ and ‘il y a’

Can I use these words interchangeably?

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