How Do You Use the Preposition 'à' Correctly in French?

Despite its diminutive size, àis a hugely important French preposition and one of the most important words in the French language. Its meanings and uses in French are many and varied, but at its most basic,à generallymeans 'to,' 'at' or 'in.'Compare àto de,meaning 'of' or 'from,' with which it's often confused. ÀContractions Whenàis followed by thedefinite articlesleandles,àcontractswith themas a single word. à + le=au (au magasin) à+les= aux(aux maisons) Butàdoes not contract withlaorl'. à+la=à la (à la banque) à + l'=à l' (à l'hôpital) In addition,àis not contracted withleandleswhen they aredirect objects. Common Uses of 'À' 1.Location or destinationJ'habite à Paris.>I live in Paris.Je vais à Rome.>I'm going to Rome.Je suis à la banque.>I'm at the bank. 2.Distance in time or space J'habite à 10 mètres de lui.>I live 10 meters from him.Il est à 5 minutes de moi.>He is 5 minutes from me. 3.Point in time Nous arrivons à 5h00.>We arrive at 5:00.Il est mort à 92 ans.>He died at the age of...