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How to use Y and EN - French pronouns explained simply + examples







If you're here, it's because you like these Y and EN French pronouns, right? Together, we'll look at how and when to use them, as well as the most common expressions.



Y, EN and the Gallicisms


Y and EN are present in many gallicisms, you know those constructions specific to the French language, and in this case, they have no precise meaning. They're just expressions that you use as such. Here are a few examples: il y a, ça y est, s'en aller, en avoir marre etc.



Y, the easiest one


Concerning Y, there are 2 possibilities: replacing a place complement or replacing the complement that follows the preposition "à".


It's used as a pronoun for the place where you are or the place where you're going. If I say, "j'habite à Lille depuis 5 ans" (the place where I am), I don't want to repeat "Lille" 5000 times, so I use Y instead. "J'y habite depuis 5 ans". Here, the place is replaced by a pronoun to avoid repetition. In the same way, "je vais à Nice" (the place I'm going to) becomes "j'y vais" once again, to avoid repetition.


The same applies to the complement following the preposition à. "Je songe à faire un voyage au Mexique" = j'y songe That's it for "Y" Pretty easy, isn't it?



EN, many possibilities


En is slightly more complicated, as there's an additional aspect to consider. So there are 3 possibilities: replacing a complement of place, replacing a complement that follows the preposition "de" or replacing a COD preceded by an article, a number or an adverb of quantity. Fasten your seatbelt, it's going to shake!


Unlike Y, EN is used to refer to the place you come from. Imagine, you've been on vacation in Lyon, you'll say "je reviens de Lyon" and to avoid repetition "j'en reviens". Very easy!


Do the same for the complement following the preposition "de". "Je rêve d'aller à Paris" = j'en rêve


Now, the third case. This is the one that gives rise to many errors. EN replaces the COD of a verb if it is preceded by an indeterminate article, a number or an adverb of quantity.


J’ai acheté des baguettes = j’en ai acheté


J’ai déjà mangé des escargots = j’en ai déjà mangé


Tu remarques qu’en présence de EN, on n’accorde pas le participe passé


Here's an example for numbers and adverbs of quantity:


J’ai réservé 1 cours de français = j’en ai réservé un


J’ai beaucoup d’élèves = j’en ai beaucoup


Pay close attention to this third point. Don't hesitate to review the section on EN!



What about people?


Normally, we don't use Y or EN for people. Instead, we use pronouns that depend on the verb used. Sometimes we use a tonic pronoun "je songe à ma soeur" = "je songe à elle", sometimes a COI pronoun "je téléphone à mon amie" = "je lui téléphone". Practice will help you, as there are no specific rules. However, in everyday life, some people still use EN and Y "je pense à mon amie" = "je pense à elle" = "j'y pense" This error is more or less accepted.



If you hesitate, try, if you make a mistake, continue! I made many mistakes in Spanish and nothing happened! remember those 5 points, it will benefit your level!



Want to improve your French, I'm ready to help!




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