Partitive Articles

Use the partitive article, which expresses that you want part of a whole (some or any), to ask for an indefinite quantity (something that is not being counted). Before a noun, the partitive is generally expressed by de + the definite article. Note that de + le contract to become du and de + les contract to become des, as shown in Table 1.

 

Note the following about the use of the partitive article:

  • Although the partitive some or any may be omitted in English, it may not be omitted in French and must be repeated before each noun.
    • Il prend des cèrèales et du lait. (He's having cereal and milk.)
  • In a negative sentence, the partitive some or any is expressed by de or d' without the article.
    • Je ne mange jamais de fruits. (I never eat any fruits.)
    • Je n'ai pas d'amis. (I don't have any friends.)
  • Before a singular adjective preceding a singular noun, the partitive is expressed with or without the article.
    • C'est de (du) bon gâteau. (That's good cake.)
  • Before a plural adjective preceding a plural noun, the partitive is expressed by de alone.
    • Ce sont de bons èlèves. (They are good students.)
  • Certain nouns and adverbs of quantity are followed by the partitive article de ( d' before a vowel).

  • The following nouns and adverbs of quantity are followed by de + definite article:

    • la plupart (most)
    • bien (a good many)
    • la majoritè (the majority)
    • la plus grande partie (the majority)
    • La plupart des gens aiment ce film. (Most people like this movie.)
  • The adjectives plusieurs (several) and quelques (some) modify the noun directly.

    • J'adore plusieurs lègumes. (I like several vegetables.)
    • Il achète quelques livres. (He is buying some books.)
  • The partitive is not used with sans (without) and ne … ni … ni (neither … nor).

    • Elle prendra du thè sans citron. (She'll take tea without lemon.)
    • Il ne boit ni cafè ni thè. (He doesn't drink coffee or tea.)
 
 
 
 
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