French grammar: articles contractés

What this grammar point covers

In French, 'articles contractés' are special forms that are created when the prepositions 'à' (to/at) or 'de' (of/from) combine with the definite articles 'le' or 'les'. This combination forms a single word.

When to use it

You use these contracted articles when 'à' or 'de' comes before 'le' or 'les'. For example, when talking about going to a place (à + le) or talking about something belonging to someone (de + le).

Key forms

• à + le = au
• à + les = aux
• de + le = du
• de + les = des

Examples

Tips

• Never use 'à le' or 'de les'—always contract them to 'au', 'aux', 'du', or 'des'.
• Do not contract when the article is 'la' or 'l’' (for feminine or vowel-starting words).
• Remember: contractions only happen with 'le' and 'les', not with 'la' or 'l’'.

Exceptions and edge cases

• No contraction with 'la' or 'l’'. For example: à la maison, de l’eau.