Every student of French language should have a clear understanding of the use of the preposition " de ". It is worthwhile to spend some time on it.
The basic meaning of this preposition is " of " or " de ".
Let us see the different contexts in which " de " is used in French.
1. A starting point or origin in space.
On arrive de Delhi.
We are arriving from Delhi . ( De = from )
2. Expressing cause
Elle souffre de l'estomac .
She suffers from stomach problem .
3. Expressing a method or use of instrument
Je pousse la porte du pied. ( du = de + le )
I push the door with foot.
4. Expressing Agent in passive voice .
Le professeur est respecté de tous.
The teacher is respected by all. ( note the use of " de" in the sense of " by" in English.)
5. Expressing manner of doing something
Martin parle d' une façon impolie. ( de + une= d'une)
Martin talks in an impolite manner.
6. Expressing duration
On s'est habitué à travailler de nuit.
We are used to working in the night.
7. Expressing progressions in the following expressions
De jour en jour - day by day
De temps en temps - from time to time
De temps en temps, elle me demande de l'argent.
I will continue this subject in another note.
Happy learning .
T. K. Jayaraman
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