1. Home
  2. Education
  3. French Language

French Presentatives ~ Les Présentatifs

French terms of introduction and emphasis

French presentatives are terms which introduce something at the same time that they emphasize it. They are not a single part of speech, but rather a category of terms which includes various prepositions, conjunctions, adverbs, and expressions used in this particular way.

Presentative Meaning Comments + Lessons Example
À to preposition À table !
À bas down with À bas les tyrans !
C'est, ce sont this is, these are lesson on c'est C'est une bonne idée.
Dire que to think that expressions with dire Dire qu'il aurait pu le faire !
Disons que let's say Disons qu'il a raison...
Étant donné given expressions with donner Étant donné la situation...
Il y a there is/are lesson on il y a Il y a un problème.
Soit, soient let there be math terms Soit un rectangle...
Vive, vivent live expressions with vivre Vive la France !
Voici here is from (tu) vois ici Voici mes clés.
Voilà there is from (tu) vois là Voilà la voiture.
Vu considering invariable Vu la situation...

  

Passive Infinitive

Grammar Glossary     Grammar Lessons

  

  

The free, twice-weekly About French newsletter keeps you informed about changes to this site, including new lessons, articles, and forum discussions. Subscribe today!

Subscribe to the Newsletter
Name
Email

Explore French Language

About.com Special Features

Dinosaur Discoveries of the Decade

The top 10 fossil discoveries between 2000 and 2010. More >

How to Ace the GRE

Being well prepared is the first step; here are more essential suggestions. More >

  1. Home
  2. Education
  3. French Language

©2010 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.