⭐ "Voilà!" : Masterclasses on Essential French Topics (90-min) ⭐
Details
# ⭐ "Voilà!" : Masterclasses on Essential French Topics (90-min)⭐
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These are stand-alone, single-topic sessions designed for focused progress without a long commitment. Attend one or mix and match—there is no sequence and no prerequisite beyond the level noted for each event.
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Masterclass #2
Topic: Prepositions “à” and “de” in French
Date: Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025
Time: 7:00–8:30 pm NY time
Format: One topic, across multiple levels (A1 to B2)
Google document for the Masterclass:
"Voilà!" French Masterclasses Series — #2 — French prepositions à and de — Sat., Oct. 4, 2025
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1HsV5jFgH0AU9PEKFD9RWrHguvQEifLhMvJ3sf47vU0E/edit?usp=sharing
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We’ll climb the “à vs de” ladder vertically—from simple A1 foundations to B2-level nuance. You’ll see what’s essential for your level right now and what’s coming next, so the pieces click together across tenses and structures.
How the level ladder works:
• A1 → Core meanings and reflexes: destinations and indirect objects with à (aller à Paris, téléphoner à Marie); origin/possession/quantity with de (venir de Montréal, le livre de Paul, beaucoup de café); essential contractions (au, aux, du, des) and clock time with à (à 7 h).
• A2 → Infinitive patterns and everyday frames: common verbs + à (aider à, apprendre à, réussir à) vs + de (essayer de, éviter de, décider de); negative rule with quantities (pas de); nouns/adjectives + de before infinitives (content de, peur de); first steps with pronouns: y for à + thing/place, en for de + thing/quantity.
• B1 → Look-alike verbs that change meaning: penser à (have in mind) vs penser de (opinion); manquer à (be missed by) vs manquer de (lack); parler à (talk to) vs parler de (talk about); jouer à (games/sports) vs jouer de (instruments); servir à (purpose) vs servir de (function/role). Multi-link chains mixing verbs + infinitives + pronouns without breaking agreement.
• B2 → Nuance, style, and edge cases: alternating verbs (continuer à / de) and why both exist; fixed idioms and register (être en train de, avoir besoin de, se servir de); relative-like patterns with à (la première personne à arriver); superlatives and comparisons with de (le plus rapide de la classe); pronoun precision under negation or quantity (en), and when not to replace people with y/en.
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Who it’s for:
Mixed-level learners (A1 to B2). Beginners build reliable habits; intermediate/advanced learners patch the classic holes (think manquer à vs manquer de) and tighten pronoun/preposition coordination.
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Takeaway:
A simple decision path to pick à or de in real time, a short list of high-frequency verb frames you can trust, and clear pronoun swaps (y / en) that won’t collapse when you add tense, negation, or quantities.
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Format and details
- Duration: 90 minutes
- No prior attendance required. The events are not organized in a logical or continuous sequence. Attend the events when needed.
- Mode: Live, interactive Zoom session.
- Time zone: All times shown in New York time (ET).
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Access & Attendance
* Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/5456313643
* Password: galaxy
* The passcode is the same for all MeetUp meetings and events.
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Cost & Payment Options
These masterclasses are free.
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Examples of topics in this series
- Reflexive verbs in French: meaning, forms, and high-frequency routines.
- Don't translate literally from English to French, and why
- Asking questions in French: the three core patterns you need.
- Imparfait vs. passé composé: when, why, and how to choose.
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About Me
In 2017, I was hired as a French teacher by a university in Spain.
Since March 2020, I’ve had the pleasure of teaching French
to 725 students from many countries, delivering more than
5,000+ French lessons, online and in person (as of July 15, 2025).
For some info about me as a teacher, and testimonials, see:
https://www.italki.com/F_Normandeau
or https://www.italki.com/en/teacher/7237721
I look forward to assisting you soon.
François Normandeau
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