Y vs En

Conrad P.A1Kwiziq community member

Y vs En

Hi, 

I was wondering if somebody could explain to me please when one should use 'Y' vs using 'En'.
For example, in trying to say "She thinks of it" - could it not be "elle y pense" or  "elle en pense"? 
Is it just determined by the context? Ie if the sentence before used De use En or if it used A use Y? 

Any help greatly appreciated.

Asked 4 years ago
Chris W.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor Correct answer

With the verb penser, you can, in fact, use either of the two, but it would change the meaning.

Penser à = to think of something.
Je pense à cette chose. -- I'm thinking of that matter.
J'y pense. -- I think of it.

Penser de = to think of, in the sense of your opinion on a certain matter.
Qu'est-ce que tu penses de cette chose? -- What do you think about that matter?
Qu'est-ce que tu en penses? -- What do you think of it?

As always, y replaces à+noun, and en replaces de+noun.

Vijay K.A1Kwiziq community member

When you say that the pronoun 'y' is used to replace à + thing / object, then in the sentence "nous prenons à fairenos devoirs", where is the thing or an object here (?). It is talking about doing homework / studies (and not of a thing or an object). Am I right ?

Teacher, please clear my doubt.

Merci !

Y vs En

Hi, 

I was wondering if somebody could explain to me please when one should use 'Y' vs using 'En'.
For example, in trying to say "She thinks of it" - could it not be "elle y pense" or  "elle en pense"? 
Is it just determined by the context? Ie if the sentence before used De use En or if it used A use Y? 

Any help greatly appreciated.

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