Y vs En

Question

Hi,

I was wondering if somebody could explain to me please when one should use 'Y' vs using 'En'.
For example, in trying to say "She thinks of it" - could it not be "elle y pense" or "elle en pense"?
Is it just determined by the context? Ie if the sentence before used De use En or if it used A use Y?

Any help greatly appreciated.

Accepted Answer

With the verb penser, you can, in fact, use either of the two, but it would change the meaning.
Penser à = to think of something.Je pense à cette chose. -- I'm thinking of that matter.J'y pense. -- I think of it.
Penser de = to think of, in the sense of your opinion on a certain matter.Qu'est-ce que tu penses de cette chose? -- What do you think about that matter?Qu'est-ce que tu en penses? -- What do you think of it?
As always, y replaces à+noun, and en replaces de+noun.

Answer

When you say that the pronoun 'y' is used to replace à + thing / object, then in the sentence "nous prenons à fairenos devoirs", where is the thing or an object here (?). It is talking about doing homework / studies (and not of a thing or an object). Am I right ?

Teacher, please clear my doubt.

Merci !