Elles (les chauve-souris) ne volent que la nuit

Jennifer C.C1Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor

Elles (les chauve-souris) ne volent que la nuit

I look for a proposition like à or dans la nuit. Have you any general tips on why and where french does not need a preposition in cases like this?
Asked 8 years ago
AurélieNative French expert teacher in KwiziqCorrect answer
Bonjour Jennifer !

With moments of the day, you will usually use only the definite article "l'/le/la" to express a general statement:
"Le soir, je me couche tard." (In the evening, I go to bed late.)
"L'après-midi, il fait la sieste." (In the afternoon, he has a nap.)
"La nuit, nous dormons." (At night, we sleep.)

See also our lesson on days of the week:
Using "le" with days of the week + the weekend (French Definite Articles)

I hope that's helpful!
À bientôt !
Jennifer C.C1Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor
Merci Aurélie, Prepositions one of my bêtes noires. I read your lessons but difficult to keep them in mind. Thank you again.
AurélieNative French expert teacher in Kwiziq
Courage Jennifer ! "C'est en forgeant que l'on devient forgeron !" (Literally: It's by forging that you become a blacksmith.) -> Practice makes perfect. :)
Jennifer C. asked:

Elles (les chauve-souris) ne volent que la nuit

I look for a proposition like à or dans la nuit. Have you any general tips on why and where french does not need a preposition in cases like this?

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