A2Grammar cheat sheet

Prepositions of time

High-priority A2 grammar concept for TEF/TCF preparation: Prepositions of time.

Quick rule

Prepositions are fixed with many verbs and places; learn them in chunks instead of translating one word.

Patterns to memorize

à = direction/place/recipient: aller à, parler à
de = origin/topic/possession: venir de, avoir besoin de
en = country/transport/material/time: en France, en bus, en bois

Where to use it

Writing about travel, work, housing, and appointments
MCQ questions with à/de/en/pour/par
Improving idiomatic accuracy

High-value examples

J'ai besoin de parler à un conseiller.

I need to speak to an advisor.

Besoin de + infinitive; parler à someone.

Je vais au bureau en métro.

I am going to the office by metro.

À + place; en + transport.

Common mistakes

Using pour for every English 'for'
Forgetting contractions: à + le = au, de + les = des
Changing a verb's required preposition

Mini drill

Memorize 5 verb + preposition chunks.
Write 3 travel sentences with à and en.
Write 3 need/request sentences with de.

Exam target

Use Prepositions of time in level-appropriate sentences.Recognize common errors and produce a corrected version.Apply the form in short exam-style writing.