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.)