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    à la main (by hand)

    Grammar & Usage

    adverbial phrase / prepositional phrase
    neutral

    How it works

    Formed from the preposition 'à' (by/with), the definite article 'la' (the), and the noun 'main' (hand). It functions either adverbially to modify verbs of creation or manipulation, or adjectivally following a noun or participle. It remains invariable regardless of the gender or number of the subject/object.

    Sample sentences

    Ce pain artisanal est pétri à la main chaque matin.

    This artisanal bread is kneaded by hand every morning.

    Elle préfère écrire ses lettres à la main plutôt que par courriel.

    She prefers to write her letters by hand rather than by email.

    Ce pull en laine délicat doit impérativement être lavé à la main.

    This delicate wool sweater must strictly be washed by hand.

    Quick facts

    morphology:Invariable locution; does not undergo pluralization or gender agreement.
    preposition_function:Illustrates the use of the preposition 'à' to denote the instrument, manner, or method of an action.

    Mnemonic

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    Example

    Ce pain artisanal est pétri à la main chaque matin.

    This artisanal bread is kneaded by hand every morning.

    Elle préfère écrire ses lettres à la main plutôt que par courriel.

    She prefers to write her letters by hand rather than by email.

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