The Pronoun y
The pronoun y has two distinct uses:
- It is the indirect-object pronoun used with things introduced by the preposition à. For more on this use, see above.
- It is used to replace a spatial prepositional phrase. In this sense, it might be translated as there. For example:
- « Je vais à Paris. » → « J'y vais. » ("I am going to Paris." → "I am going there.")
- « Est-ce que tu travailles dans ce bureau ? — Non, je n'y travaille plus. » ("Do you work in that office? — No, I do not work there anymore.")
- It is used idiomatically with certain verbs, without replacing anything:
- « Il doit y avoir une erreur. » ("There must be a mistake.")
- « Je commence à y voir un peu plus clair. » ("I am starting to see things more clearly.")
Read more about this topic: French Personal Pronouns
Famous quotes containing the word pronoun:
“Would mankind be but contented without the continual use of that little but significant pronoun “mine” or “my own,” with what luxurious delight might they revel in the property of others!... But if envy makes me sicken at the sight of everything that is excellent out of my own possession, then will the sweetest food be sharp as vinegar, and every beauty will in my depraved eyes appear as deformity.”
—Sarah Fielding (1710–1768)