Today’s lesson focuses on avec, which means “with”. Rather than just doing a few quick example sentences, I’ve listed out ten ways you can use this preposition. Tu viens avec moi? Are yo coming with me? Keep reading.
Avec
with
Word origin
The Modern French preposition avec (with) comes from avecques in Middle French and avuec in Old French. These words were derived from apud hoque in Latin.
Example sentences
1. In the company of
Avec is most commonly used to express “in the company of” or “with”.
You’re coming with me.
2. You’re welcome
The expression avec plaisir translates literally to “with pleasure” and is another way of saying de rien (you’re welcome).
Je vous remercie. – Avec plaisir.
Thank you. – With pleasure.
3. Using
Another common usage of avec is to express “using” or “by the means of”.
Il démarre la voiture avec la clé.
He starts the car with the key
4. Concerning
Avec can be used to mean “concerning” or “with regards to”.
Avec vous, c’est toujours pareil !
It’s always the same with you.
5. Because of, due to
Avec is also used to express both “because of” and “due to”.
Avec la neige, nous devons reporter notre départ.
We should postpone our departure because of the snow.
6. To, towards
Avec can also mean “to” or “towards” people. I also could have used the preposition envers (towards) for this sentence.
Le patron est généreux avec ses employés.
The boss is alway nice to his employees.
7. With it
Normally prepositions cannot come at the end of sentences in French. However, in informal language, avec may be placed at the end of a sentence.
J’ai le violon. Je suis venu avec.
I have the violin. I came with it.
8. Manner
Avec is used to express “in the manner of”. For these sentences, an adverb can also be used in the English translation.
Il parle avec amour.
He speaks lovingly.
9. Over time
The expression avec le temps is used to express “over time”.
Over time, you adapt.
10. In hindsight, looking back
The expression avec le recul means both “looking back” and “in hindsight”.
Avec le recul, j’aurais dû apprendre l’espagnol.
Looking back, I should have learned Spanish.
Related lessons
References
