Common prepositions of time 1 in French

Read more about how to use Common prepositions of time 1 in French.
Feel the need to learn new grammar tips fast? Learn French online and test your grammar knowledge with Frantastique for free.

TEST YOUR FRENCH Free trial and no commitment to buy
4,6 on App Store, Play Store and Trustpilot
More than 7 million learners worldwide

Common prepositions of time 1

Depuis usually means 'since' or 'for', and describes actions in progress, ones that started in the past and finished later. In French, we use it with verbs in the present or past tense.
Je t’attends depuis trois heures. I have been waiting for you for three hours.
J'étudie à l'université depuis 2009. I have been studying at university since 2009.
Depuis que je vis en Bretagne, il pleut tous les jours. Since I have been living in Brittany, it has rained every day
Pendant (meaning 'for' or 'during') refers to the entire duration of an action in the past, present or future.
Je vais habiter à Nantes pendant trois mois. I am going to live in Nantes for three months.
Je travaille pendant les vacances. I am working during the holidays.
J’ai voyagé pendant un an. I travelled for a year.
Dans (in) describes the start of a future action. We use it with verbs in the future and present tense.
Le spectacle va commencer dans dix minutes. The show is going to start in ten minutes.
Je t'appelle dans une heure. I will call you in an hour. (it's common to use the present tense for future events)
Il y a means 'ago' and describes actions that are finished. In general we use it with the past tense (passé composé).
Il est parti il y a dix minutes. He left ten minutes ago.
Note: Ça fait… que is an informal equivalent to depuis.
Ça fait trois heures que je t’attends. familier It's been three hours since I have been waiting.
Ça fait dix ans que j’ai fini mes études. familier It's been ten years since I finished my studies.

Still having trouble with 'Common prepositions of time 1'? Master the rules of French grammar and improve your French level thanks to our online French lessons Frantastique. We're offering a 7-day free trial, so what are you waiting for?



What our users say:

Pleasure

         

I enjoy doing my online French lessons. Only ten minutes daily are enough...Thank you!

Innovative

         

I love your innovative method which allows me to learn a new language and have fun at the same time!

Unique

         

Your method is unique! Your courses have helped me to progress and gain confidence during my travels.

Progress

         

Gymglish has allowed me to improve my French. A daily routine I wouldn't miss for anything in the world!

More testimonials.


Looking to improve French for beginners? Frantastique provides effective and fun training!

Tips for learning 'Common prepositions of time 1'? Share them with us!

TEST YOUR FRENCH