French Phrase
La grande tour de l'horloge est par ici ?
Meaning
This phrase is a polite way to ask for directions to a specific landmark, in this case, a large clock tower. It literally translates to 'The big clock tower is this way?', implying a question about its location relative to the speaker.
When to use
You would use this phrase when you are looking for a specific landmark, like a clock tower, and want to confirm if you are heading in the correct direction. It's particularly useful when you have a general idea of the location but need confirmation from a local.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Lagrandetourde l'horlogeestpar ici
La (The)
'La' is the feminine singular definite article in French, used before feminine singular nouns like 'tour' (tower).
grande (big/large)
'Grande' is the feminine form of the adjective 'grand' (big/large). Adjectives in French must agree in gender and number with the noun they modify. 'Tour' is feminine, so 'grande' is used.
tour (tower)
'Tour' is a feminine noun meaning 'tower'. Be careful, as 'un tour' (masculine) means 'a turn' or 'a trick'.
de l'horloge (of the clock)
'De l'horloge' means 'of the clock'. 'De' is a preposition meaning 'of' or 'from', and 'l'' is the elided definite article for 'horloge' (clock), which starts with a silent 'h'.
est (is)
'Est' is the third-person singular form of the verb 'être' (to be). It's used here to state the location of the clock tower.
par ici (this way)
'Par ici' is an idiomatic expression meaning 'this way' or 'in this direction'. It's commonly used when asking for or giving directions.
🗨In Conversation
Excusez-moi, la grande tour de l'horloge est par ici ?
Excuse me, is the big clock tower this way?
Oui, c'est tout droit, puis à gauche au feu.
Yes, it's straight ahead, then left at the traffic light.
✕Common Mistakes
Le grande tour de l'horloge est par ici ?
The word 'tour' (tower) is feminine in French, so it requires the feminine article 'La' and the feminine adjective 'grande'.
La grand tour de l'horloge est par ici ?
The adjective 'grand' must agree in gender with the noun 'tour', so it should be 'grande' (feminine).
La grande tour de l'horloge c'est par ici ?
While 'c'est' can be used for identification, 'est' is more direct and natural when asking about the location of a specific, already identified object.
↔Alternatives
Où est la grande tour de l'horloge ?
Where is the big clock tower?
Excusez-moi, la grande tour de l'horloge, c'est par là ?
Excuse me, the big clock tower, is it that way?
Cultural Tip
When asking for directions in France, it's customary to start with a polite greeting like 'Bonjour' or 'Excusez-moi' (Excuse me) and to end with 's'il vous plaît' (please) or 'merci' (thank you). French people appreciate politeness, and it can make a big difference in how readily they assist you.