French emploi des pronoms y et en Grammar (B2)

What this grammar point covers

In French, 'y' and 'en' are pronouns used to replace certain words or groups of words in a sentence. They help avoid repetition and make sentences smoother.

When to use it

Use 'y' to refer to a place or something introduced by 'à'. Use 'en' to talk about a quantity or something introduced by 'de'. Both pronouns usually come before the verb.

Key forms

• 'y' replaces a place or things introduced by 'à', 'chez', 'dans', etc.
• 'en' replaces a quantity or things introduced by 'de', 'du', 'de la', 'des', etc.

Examples

Tips

• Place 'y' or 'en' before the verb in most sentences.
• Never use 'y' or 'en' to replace people.
• 'En' is also used to replace quantities, so always keep the number if mentioned.

Exceptions and edge cases

• With affirmative commands, 'y' and 'en' come after the verb: Va-t'en !
• With two verbs (like 'je veux y aller'), 'y' and 'en' go before the infinitive.

Sample exercise

Quel pronom complète correctement la phrase ?

Ils ont distribué des tracts à la foule, et ils ___ ont donné beaucoup.

Answer: en

‘En’ remplace ‘des tracts’ (certains tracts), indiquant la quantité. ‘Ils en ont donné beaucoup’ veut dire ‘Ils en ont donné beaucoup (de tracts)’.