Description
Learn French prepositions of time like quand and pendant with clear rules, examples, and A2 practice for TEF Canada.
Introduction: Talking About Time Clearly
At A2 (75%), you must organize your ideas in time.
You already know:
- present
- past
- future
Now you must connect them using:
prepositions of time French
This helps you:
- describe when something happens
- express duration
- speak more clearly in TEF Canada
What Are Prepositions of Time?
They are words used to:
- indicate time
- connect events
- structure sentences
1. Quand — A Moment in Time
Meaning
quand = when
Use
To indicate a specific moment or situation
Examples
- Quand j’étais jeune, je jouais dehors
- Quand il pleut, je reste à la maison
A2 Level
- Quand j’étais enfant, je jouais dehors et je regardais la télévision
2. Pendant — Duration
Meaning
pendant = during / for
Use
To express duration (how long something lasts)
Examples
- Pendant les vacances, je voyage
- J’ai travaillé pendant deux heures
A2 Level
- Pendant les vacances, je voyage avec ma famille
3. Difference Between Quand and Pendant
| Word | Function |
|---|---|
| quand | moment |
| pendant | duration |
Examples
- Quand j’étais jeune → moment
- Pendant les vacances → duration
Do not confuse them
4. Using Time Expressions in Sentences
Examples
- Quand j’étais jeune, je jouais dehors
- Pendant les vacances, je voyage
A2 Level
- Quand j’étais jeune, je jouais dehors pendant les vacances
Combine both for better sentences
5. Building A2 Sentences
Example
Quand j’étais enfant, je jouais dehors.
Pendant les vacances, je voyageais avec ma famille.
Combined
Quand j’étais enfant, je jouais dehors pendant les vacances.
This is strong A2 structure
6. Common Mistakes
Errors
- Pendant j’étais jeune
- Quand deux heures
Correct Forms
- Quand j’étais jeune
- Pendant deux heures
Remember:
– quand = clause
– pendant = duration
7. TEF Canada Strategy
In TEF Canada, prepositions of time French are used to:
- describe past life
- structure answers
- improve clarity
What the examiner checks
- correct usage
- logical structure
- clear meaning
High-Scoring Example
Quand j’étais jeune, je jouais dehors.
Pendant les vacances, je voyageais avec ma famille.
8. Practice (A2 Level)
Exercise 1
Choose:
- ______ j’étais jeune (Quand / Pendant)
- ______ deux jours (Quand / Pendant)
Exercise 2
Complete:
- ______ les vacances, je voyage
- ______ j’étais enfant, je jouais
Exercise 3
Write 2 sentences:
- one with quand
- one with pendant
9. Mini TEF Speaking Task
Question
Parlez de votre enfance
Model Answer
Quand j’étais enfant, je jouais dehors.
Pendant les vacances, je voyageais avec ma famille.
Continue Learning French
After mastering prepositions of time French, you can:
FAQ (SEO Boost)
What does “quand” mean?
It means “when” (a moment).
What does “pendant” mean?
It means “during” or “for” (duration).
Can you use both in one sentence?
Yes, for better structure.
Is this important for TEF Canada?
Yes. It improves clarity and fluency.
Final Tip (A2 Insight)
To master prepositions of time French:
use quand for moments
use pendant for duration
combine both
This makes your speech more natural.
