French grammar · B1
Time Markers: depuis, pendant, il y a, dans
A clear, example-first explanation built for CLB 6 / B1 — the level you need for TCF / TEF Canada.
Overview
Four small words that confuse EVERY learner. Master these and your speech sounds native.
<b>depuis</b> = since / for (action still going)
Use with PRESENT tense (action started in past, still continues).
- J'habite ici depuis 5 ans. (and I still live here)
- Elle apprend le français depuis janvier.
<b>pendant</b> = for / during (finished duration)
Use with passé composé or future. The action has a defined duration that ended (or will end).
- J'ai habité à Paris pendant 2 ans. (then I moved)
- Je vais étudier pendant 3 heures.
<b>il y a</b> = ago
Use with passé composé. Points to a past moment.
- Je suis arrivé il y a 2 ans.
- Il y a 10 minutes, il est parti.
<b>dans</b> = in (future)
Use with future / futur proche. Points to a future moment.
- Je pars dans 5 minutes.
- Le cours commence dans une heure.
Quick test
Is the action ongoing now? → depuis. A finished past duration? → pendant. A point in the past? → il y a. A point in the future? → dans.
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Articles: le, la, les, un, une, des · Verb: être (to be) — Present · Verb: avoir (to have) — Present · Regular -er Verbs (Present) · Negation: ne ... pas · Asking Questions