Habiter and vivre

Lisa H.A1Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor

Habiter and vivre

Re: Habiter vs Vivre

If I understand correctly, using a preposition after habiter or vivre is optional unless it’s followed by a country or continent. Then it would be “en” for feminine countries and masculine countries beginning with a vowel and for the six feminine continents.

“Au” for masculine countries starting with a consonant and “aux” for plural countries.


When using habiter or vivre with cities it would be à or nothing at all. When using habiter or vivre with regions, provinces, states and counties, again the preposition is optional. My question is when you do not use a preposition, do you use the definite article?

eg., With preposition it’s “J’habite dans le Merseyside.”

Without preposition is it “J’habite Merseyside.” Or J’habite le Merseyside.”

Thank you!

Asked 5 years ago
CécileNative French expert teacher in KwiziqCorrect answer

Hi Lisa,

It would be -

J'habite (dans) le Merseyside.

Lisa H.A1Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor

Thank you Cécile! In this example, the preposition is optional but the definite article is not! It is used. 

Habiter and vivre

Re: Habiter vs Vivre

If I understand correctly, using a preposition after habiter or vivre is optional unless it’s followed by a country or continent. Then it would be “en” for feminine countries and masculine countries beginning with a vowel and for the six feminine continents.

“Au” for masculine countries starting with a consonant and “aux” for plural countries.


When using habiter or vivre with cities it would be à or nothing at all. When using habiter or vivre with regions, provinces, states and counties, again the preposition is optional. My question is when you do not use a preposition, do you use the definite article?

eg., With preposition it’s “J’habite dans le Merseyside.”

Without preposition is it “J’habite Merseyside.” Or J’habite le Merseyside.”

Thank you!

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