Prepositions and modes of transport
En: We use the preposition en before those means of transport that we enter or get into: en voiture (by car), en train (by train), en avion (by plane), en bus (by bus), etc.
Victor est allé à la fête en taxi. Victor went to the party by taxi.
Qui a fait le tour du monde en montgolfière en 80 jours ? Who went round the world by hot air balloon in 80 days?
Qui a fait le tour du monde en montgolfière en 80 jours ? Who went round the world by hot air balloon in 80 days?
À: We use the preposition à before means of transport that aren't motorized: à pied (by foot), à cheval (on horseback), à dos d’âne (on a donkey), à la nage (swimming), etc.
Victor est parti se promener à pied. Victor went for a walk (on foot).
Des sherpas nous portent à dos d’homme. The sherpas are carrying us on their backs.
Des sherpas nous portent à dos d’homme. The sherpas are carrying us on their backs.
Note: Both the prepositions en and à are commonly used before these means of transport: en/à vélo (by bike), en/à moto (by motorbike), en/à mobylette (by moped),en/à skis (on skis), en ou à pantins (on skates). Purists prefer à.
Quand il y a de la neige, Muriel adore aller au marché à (ou en) skis. When it snows, Muriel loves to go to the market on skis.
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