More about using à

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Post by [A]dmin on Thu Oct 30, 2008 1:54 pm

More about using à

à is a very handy preposition and can cover a number of different meanings in English.
It can mean 'to' or 'at' when talking about directions:

À la Place de la Fontance, tournez à gauche

At the Fountain Square, turn (to the) left
à is also used to talk about where you're going, meaning 'to':

Hakim va à Paris

Hakim's going to Paris
Or it can describe where you are, meaning 'in' :

Hakim est à Paris

Hakim's in Paris
à can also describe what something is used for:

une tasse à thé
un verre à vin
a teacup (literally 'a cup for tea')
a wine glass (literally 'a glass for wine')
You can also use à to describe the style or way something is done.
You'll see this a lot in recipes or names of popular dishes:

Haricots à la provençale
Provencal-style beans (with tomatoes, olive oil and garlic)

Côte de bœuf à l'anglaise
English style beef (on the bone)

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