Using il y a — identify and understand

Using il y a: progressive explanation, topic-specific examples, guided exercises and a corrected assessment.

Duration: 25 minPrerequisites: negation-ne-pas-produirePass mark: 80%

1. Objective

By the end, you will identify and explain “Using il y a” in new examples.

2. Discover

Compare: Il y a un café ici.; Il y a deux chambres.; Il n’y a pas de bus.; Y a-t-il une pharmacie ?. Which clue helps you recognise il y a?

3. Understand

To understand “Using il y a”, start from the examples rather than an abstract definition. Notice how the groups connect. Meaning comes from their relationship, not only from isolated words.

Il y a un café ici.Il y a deux chambres.Il n’y a pas de bus.Y a-t-il une pharmacie ?Il y a beaucoup de monde.Il y avait un problème.Exemple à observer : Léa téléphone à la bibliothèque.

Watch out

First identify the relation between the ideas: cause, consequence, contrast, condition, time… Choose the connector from the meaning, not the other way around.

4. Guided practice

5. Independent practice

6. Write / speak

Use “Using il y a” in a short message you could realistically send today.

7. Check your learning

8. Remember

For il y a, identify the context first, then the form carrying the useful information. Always check your answer in a complete sentence.

Download worksheet (PDF)

9. Now I can…

I can recognise “Using il y a” in a new example.
I can justify my choice and create an example.