In French, "aux" is used when the preposition "à" (meaning to, at, or in) is followed by the definite plural article "les" (the). It serves as a mandatory contraction in these instances.
Understanding "Aux"
"Aux" is a contracted form that replaces "à les." This contraction is always required when "à" precedes a plural noun, regardless of its gender. It indicates direction, location, or attribution to multiple entities.
- Primary Rule: Use "aux" before any word that is in its plural form.
Examples of "Aux" in Use:
- Vous allez aux États-Unis ? (Are you going to the USA?) - Here, "États-Unis" is plural.
- Je parle aux étudiants. (I speak to the students.) - "Étudiants" is plural.
- Elle donne les cadeaux aux enfants. (She gives the gifts to the children.) - "Enfants" is plural.
- Nous allons aux toilettes. (We are going to the restrooms.) - "Toilettes" is plural.
Context: The Contractions of "À"
"Aux" is part of a set of essential contractions involving the preposition "à" and definite articles. These contractions are fundamental to fluent French.
Here's a breakdown of how "à" combines with different definite articles:
| Contraction | Formed From | Usage | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Au | à + le | Before a singular masculine noun | Il va au marché. (He goes to the market.) |
| À la | à + la | Before a singular feminine noun | Elle va à la plage. (She goes to the beach.) |
| À l' | à + l' | Before a singular noun beginning with a vowel or silent 'h' (masculine or feminine) | Tu as parlé à l'ami de Julien ? (Did you speak to Julien's friend?) |
| Aux | à + les | Before any plural noun (masculine or feminine) | Nous allons aux musées. (We are going to the museums.) |
Practical Insights
- No Choice: Unlike some prepositions where contractions are optional, the contractions of "à" (au, aux, à l') are mandatory. You cannot say "à les" in French; it must become "aux."
- Gender and Number: The choice between "au," "à la," "à l'," and "aux" depends solely on the gender and number of the noun that follows the preposition "à."
- Proper Nouns: While "à" often remains unchanged before proper nouns, "aux" is used before plural proper nouns that take a definite article, such as countries or regions (e.g., les États-Unis, les Philippines).
Understanding when to use "aux" and its counterparts is crucial for constructing grammatically correct and natural-sounding sentences in French. For further detailed examples and explanations on French prepositions, you can consult reputable grammar resources like Collins Dictionary's French Grammar Guide.
