French Expression · Intermediate
avoir lieu
to take place, happen
Pronunciation: /a.vwaʁ ljø/
Meaning
to take place, happen
Example
La généralité des Américains s'imaginaient la guerre d'après les campagnes limitées, avantageuses et pittoresques, qui avaient eu lieu autrefois.
The common Americans fancied war to be the limited, picturesque, and adventurous campaigns that had taken place in earlier days.
Practice tips
- Practice avoir lieu out loud — read the pronunciation guide above and repeat.
- Use it in your own sentence today; reuse beats rereading.
- Pay attention to context: this French expression is for intermediate-level learners.