emploi des pronoms y et en grammar in French

Language: French
Level: B2
Unit: Pronoms et leurs emplois
Practice types: 0

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

Tu vas à la bibliothèque ? Oui, j'y vais.

English: Are you going to the library? Yes, I'm going (there).

Il pense à son avenir. Il y pense souvent.

English: He thinks about his future. He thinks about it often.

Tu veux du pain ? Oui, j'en veux.

English: Do you want some bread? Yes, I want some.

Nous avons trois enfants. Nous en avons trois.

English: We have three children. We have three (of them).

Elle revient de Paris. Elle en revient demain.

English: She is coming back from Paris. She is coming back (from there) tomorrow.

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.