French Indefinite Adjectives: Some, Each, Any (quelque, certain, chaque, quelconque)
Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
Indefinite adjectives modify nouns to express vague quantity or distribution; remember that agreement with the noun's gender and number is mandatory.
- Chaque is invariable and always followed by a singular noun: Chaque jour est une opportunité.
- Quelque (singular) means 'some' or 'a certain', while (plural) means 'a few': Quelques amis sont venus.
- Quelconque follows the noun and means 'any' or 'whatever': Prends un livre quelconque.
Overview
Indefinite adjectives in French function as linguistic modifiers, enabling you to refer to nouns without specifying exact quantities, identities, or qualities. At the C1 level, mastering these adjectives moves beyond mere recognition to an nuanced application that reflects precise communicative intent. This involves understanding the subtle semantic differences between terms like quelque, certain, chaque, and quelconque, as well as their syntactic behavior, such as agreement and position.
These words are not interchangeable; each imparts a distinct shade of meaning, whether you aim for generalization, emphasis on individuality, or an expression of indifference. Their correct usage is fundamental for achieving advanced proficiency, allowing you to articulate complex ideas with precision and native-like fluidity, avoiding the stiffness often associated with literal translations.
How This Grammar Works
quelconque, which consistently follows the noun, influencing the rhythm and emphasis of the phrase. Many of these adjectives exhibit agreement in gender and number with the noun, such as certain and quelques, reflecting the fundamental French grammatical principle of adjectival concordance. Conversely, adjectives like chaque remain invariable, emphasizing a fixed, universal application.certaines mesures with des mesures certaines reveals a significant shift in meaning, illustrating how positioning can transform an adjective's function from indefinite specification to a qualitative description.Formation Pattern
chaque (each, every)
chaque does not change form for gender or number.
chaque | chaque livre | each book |
chaque | chaque personne | each person |
quelque / quelques (some, a few)
quelque becomes quelques when modifying a plural noun.
quelques (plural): Indicates a small, indeterminate number ("a few").
quelque (singular, less common as an adjective): "some kind of," "whatever," often found in formal or literary contexts, or in specific fixed expressions. It can also function as an adverb.
quelque | quelque doute (literary) | some doubt (of some kind) |
quelques | quelques amis | a few friends |
certain(e)(s) (some, certain)
certain | certain homme (a certain man) | certain | fait certain (sure fact) |
certaine | certaine mesure (a certain measure) | certaine | nouvelle certaine (sure news) |
certains | certains problèmes (certain problems) | certains | résultats certains (sure results) |
certaines | certaines personnes (certain people) | certaines | preuves certaines (sure proofs) |
quelconque (any old, ordinary, mediocre)
quelconque does not change form for gender or number.
quelconque | un livre quelconque | any old book |
quelconque | une excuse quelconque | any old excuse |
quelconque | (Less common as adjective with plural noun, but possible in specific contexts) | des objets quelconques (any objects) |
quelque (quelque... que) is distinct. For instance, quelque riches qu'ils soient means "however rich they may be." This C1 construction involves quelque (invariable adverb) followed by an adjective or adverb, que, and a verb in the subjunctive.
When To Use It
chaque (each, every)chaque when you intend to refer to every single element within a group individually, emphasizing their distinctness. It signifies a distributive sense, implying that what is stated applies to each member without exception.- Individual Focus:
Chaque étudiantdoit rendre son travail avant minuit. (Each student must submit their work before midnight.) Here, the obligation applies to every single student. - Regularity/Habit: Il lit
chaque jourle journal. (He reads the newspaper every day.) This highlights a daily routine, day by day. - Rules/Mandates:
Chaque paysa ses propres lois. (Each country has its own laws.) It underscores a universal application across distinct entities.
quelque / quelques (some, a few)quelque (singular) and quelques (plural) is crucial, and quelques is far more common in everyday speech.quelques(plural: "a few, some"): Employquelquesto denote a small, indeterminate number or quantity. It implies more than one but not a large amount, typically suggesting a handful (e.g., 2-10).- Small Quantity: J'ai
quelques questionsà vous poser. (I have a few questions to ask you.) This indicates a small number of questions, not an exhaustive list. - Brief Duration: Nous avons
quelques minutespour discuter. (We have a few minutes to discuss.) It implies a short, limited timeframe.
quelque(singular: "some kind of, whatever"): This singular adjectival form is more literary, formal, or found in specific expressions, often implying an unspecified or generic quality.- Unspecified Kind: Il ressentait
quelque chose d'étrange. (He felt something strange.)Quelquehere points to an indefinable quality. - Fixed Expressions:
Quelque part(somewhere),quelque temps(some time). - As an Adverb ("approximately, however..."): This is a C1-level usage.
- Approximation before a number:
Quelque vingt personnesétaient présentes. (Approximately twenty people were present.) It functions similarly toenviron. - Concessive clause with subjunctive:
Quelque difficile que soit la tâche, il persévère. (However difficult the task may be, he perseveres.) Here,quelqueis an invariable adverb intensifying the adjective, followed byqueand the subjunctive. This structure is highly formal and marks advanced usage.
certain(e)(s) (some, certain)certain is fundamental for C1 learners.certain(e)(s)before the noun ("some, certain [unspecified]"): Use this when you are referring to a specific but unnamed group or individual, or a particular type of something. It suggests a selection from a larger set without identifying the specifics.- Unspecified Subset:
Certains jours, je me lève tôt. (Some days, I get up early.) This implies specific days, but their identity is not revealed. - Particular Kind: Il y a
certains vinsque j'apprécie particulièrement. (There are certain wines that I particularly appreciate.) This refers to a type or category without naming specific bottles. - Rhetorical Vagueness:
Certaines personnespensent que... (Certain people think that...) This allows for generalization without direct accusation.
certain(e)(s)after the noun ("sure, reliable, proven"): Whencertainfollows the noun, it functions as a qualitative adjective, asserting the certainty or reliability of the noun.- Factual Certainty: C'est une information
certaine. (It's sure/reliable information.) This confirms the veracity of the information. - Personal Conviction: Je suis
certainde ma décision. (I am sure of my decision.) Note here it acts as an adjective describing the subject, not an indefinite adjective modifying a noun. When it directly qualifies the noun it describes an inherent quality: un succèscertain(a sure success).
quelconque (any old, ordinary, mediocre)Quelconque is always placed after the noun and conveys a sense of indifference, lack of distinction, or even mild disapproval, suggesting something is unremarkable or merely "any old" example.- Indifference/Lack of Specificity: Prenez
un livre quelconque. (Take any old book.) The choice doesn't matter; any book will do. - Mediocrity/Unremarkableness: C'était
un film quelconque, sans grand intérêt. (It was a mediocre/unremarkable film, without much interest.) This expresses a negative judgment on its quality. - Generic Example: Pour illustrer mon point, prenons
un exemple quelconque. (To illustrate my point, let's take any generic example.)
Common Mistakes
chaque with Plural Nouns:Chaque is strictly singular and must always precede a singular noun. You cannot say chaque jours.- Incorrect:
Chaque jours, il va courir. - Correct:
Chaque jour, il va courir.(Every day, he goes running.) - Alternative for plural: If you intend to convey "all days" or "all of the days," use
tous les jours.Tous les jours, il va courir.(All the days/Every single day, he goes running.) The nuance is subtle:chaque jouremphasizes the individual days, one after the other, whiletous les jourstreats the days as a collective unit.
quelconque:Quelconque is unique among these adjectives in that it always follows the noun it modifies. Placing it before the noun (un quelconque livre) is ungrammatical in modern French, sounding archaic or simply incorrect.- Incorrect:
Il a lu un quelconque roman. - Correct:
Il a lu un roman quelconque.(He read any old novel.)
quelque (singular) and quelques (plural):quelques (a few) is common, the singular adjectival quelque is rare in contemporary spoken French outside of fixed expressions. Learners sometimes mistakenly use quelque with plural nouns or quelques with singular ones.- Incorrect:
J'ai quelque amis à Paris.(Should bequelquesfor a few friends.) - Correct:
J'ai quelques amis à Paris.(I have a few friends in Paris.) - Note: The adverbial
quelque(e.g.,quelque vingt personnes,quelque intelligents qu'ils soient) is always invariable, regardless of the number of the modified term, but this is a different grammatical function.
certain:certain drastically changes based on whether it precedes or follows the noun. This is a critical distinction that learners often overlook, leading to miscommunication.certainbefore noun (unspecified):J'ai vu certain homme.(I saw a certain man – specific but unnamed.)certainafter noun (sure, reliable):C'est un fait certain.(It's a sure fact.)
chaque (adjective) with chacun (pronoun):Chaque is an adjective and must be followed by a noun. Chacun (and its feminine chacune) is an indefinite pronoun and stands alone, referring back to an already mentioned group.- Incorrect:
Chaque a son opinion. - Correct:
Chacun a son opinion.(Each one has their opinion.) - Incorrect:
Chacun étudiant doit travailler. - Correct:
Chaque étudiant doit travailler.(Each student must work.)
quelconque for "any" when n'importe quel is more appropriate:quelconque can mean "any," it often carries a connotation of indifference or even mediocrity. If you simply mean "any" without this negative or dismissive overtone, n'importe quel(le)(s) is often a more neutral and direct choice, especially in questions or conditional clauses implying free choice.Quelconque(indifference/mediocrity): "Choisisun stylo quelconque." (Choose any old pen – I don't care which one, or implying pens are all the same.)N'importe quel(free choice): "Prendsn'importe quel stylotu veux." (Take any pen you want – emphasizing freedom of choice.)
Real Conversations
Understanding how indefinite adjectives are deployed in contemporary French communication, from casual texts to more formal exchanges, reveals their true utility at the C1 level. These are not merely textbook examples but integral components of nuanced expression.
1. chaque in Digital Communication and Planning:
Chaque is frequently used to emphasize individual instances within recurring events or tasks, even in concise digital formats.
- Text Message (planning): "Rappelle-moi chaque matin à 8h pour le sport." (Remind me every morning at 8 am for exercise.)
- Work Email (instructions): "Veuillez vérifier chaque pièce jointe avant d'envoyer." (Please check each attachment before sending.)
- Social Media Post (routine): "Chaque nouvelle journée est une opportunité." (Every new day is an opportunity.)
2. quelques for Informal Details and Time Management:
Quelques is a staple for describing small, unspecified quantities, particularly when discussing time, items, or social interactions.
- Casual Conversation: "J'ai vu quelques amis hier soir, on a pris un verre." (I saw a few friends last night, we had a drink.)
- Text Message (ETA): "J'arrive dans quelques minutes." (I'll be there in a few minutes.) This is a common and polite way to indicate a short delay.
- Online Review: "Le restaurant était sympa, quelques plats étaient excellents." (The restaurant was nice, a few dishes were excellent.)
3. certain(e)(s) for Strategic Vagueness and General Observations:
The use of certain(e)(s) before a noun allows for making observations or complaints without being overly direct or naming specific individuals, a common tactic in both informal and professional settings.
- Casual Gossip: "Certaines personnes ne comprennent vraiment rien." (Certain people really don't understand anything.) (Often implying "you know who I mean" without stating it.)
- Work Discussion (polite critique): "Nous avons rencontré certaines difficultés lors du déploiement." (We encountered certain difficulties during deployment.) This allows for acknowledging problems without assigning blame or going into excessive detail.
- Social Media Commentary: "Certains commentaires sous cette publication sont assez agressifs." (Certain comments under this post are quite aggressive.)
4. quelconque for Expressing Disinterest or Lack of Distinction:
Quelconque is perfect for conveying a sense of "anything goes" or expressing mild disappointment with something uninspired. It's often used colloquially.
- Casual Conversation (indifference): "Prends un sac quelconque, on s'en va." (Grab any old bag, we're leaving.)
- Online Review (negative): "Le service était quelconque, rien d'extraordinaire." (The service was mediocre, nothing extraordinary.)
- Job Interview (avoid this): "Je cherche un travail quelconque." (I'm looking for any old job.) This would imply a lack of ambition or specific skills, often viewed negatively. Instead, Je cherche un travail qui me plaît (I'm looking for a job I like) or Je suis ouvert à différentes opportunités (I am open to various opportunities) would be preferred.
These examples highlight that mastering these adjectives means not just knowing their definitions but understanding their pragmatic impact in real-world communication, allowing you to navigate social subtleties and professional discourse with greater confidence.
Quick FAQ
chaque ever be used with a plural noun in very specific contexts?No, chaque fundamentally denotes singularity and distribution to individual elements. Its use with a plural noun is always ungrammatical in standard French. If you need a distributive plural, expressions like tous les (+ noun plural) or chacun (pronoun) are appropriate alternatives. For example, toutes les femmes (all women) or chacune des femmes (each of the women).
quelconque always negative or dismissive?Not inherently, but it often carries a nuance of indifference, lack of quality, or being unremarkable. When used to mean "any old," it can be neutral (un objet quelconque - any object). However, in contexts implying quality or preference, it can indeed be dismissive (un film quelconque - a mediocre film). The connotation largely depends on context and the speaker's intent.
quelque (quelque... que) function, and is it common?The adverbial quelque (invariable) is used in concessive clauses before an adjective or adverb, followed by que and the subjunctive mood. For example, Quelque grands que soient leurs problèmes, ils les résoudront. (However great their problems may be, they will solve them.) This construction is quite formal and literary, indicating a C1-C2 level of proficiency. While not used in everyday casual conversation, it is vital for understanding sophisticated written French and for adding stylistic elegance to your own writing.
quelques and plusieurs?Both denote an unspecified plural quantity, but quelques generally implies a smaller number (a few, often 2-10), while plusieurs implies a larger or at least more significant number (several, often 5-20+). Think of quelques as a small handful, and plusieurs as a more substantial, but still indeterminate, collection. For instance, quelques pages suggests a few pages, while plusieurs pages implies a more considerable section.
certain(e)(s) before a noun versus the indefinite article des?The key distinction lies in specificity and implication. Des is a neutral indefinite article, simply introducing a plural noun without specifying anything about its identity or nature: J'ai acheté des livres. (I bought some books.) Certain(e)(s) before a noun, however, implies a specific but unnamed subset or type. It suggests a selection or distinction from a larger group: J'ai lu certains livres qui étaient fascinants. (I read certain books that were fascinating.) Here, certains highlights that these were particular, distinct books that stood out, not just "some books" generally. It adds a layer of selective vagueness.
Yes, particularly with quelques. A liaison often occurs between quelques and a following noun starting with a vowel or a silent h. For example, quelques_amis (pronounced as if quelquez-amis). With chaque, no liaison occurs, as it is always followed by a singular noun, making the final 'e' silent. For certains, a strong liaison is made with a following vowel or silent h: certains_hommes (pronounced as if certainz-hommes). Pay attention to the fluidity this adds to spoken French.
Agreement Patterns
| Adjective | Masculine Singular | Feminine Singular | Masculine Plural | Feminine Plural |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Chaque
|
Chaque
|
Chaque
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
|
Certain
|
Certain
|
Certaine
|
Certains
|
Certaines
|
|
Quelque
|
Quelque
|
Quelque
|
Quelques
|
Quelques
|
|
Quelconque
|
Quelconque
|
Quelconque
|
Quelconques
|
Quelconques
|
Meanings
Indefinite adjectives provide non-specific information about the quantity or identity of a noun, allowing for nuanced expression in French.
Distributive
Referring to every individual member of a group.
“Chaque personne a voté.”
“Chaque matin, je cours.”
Indefinite Quantity
Referring to an unspecified amount.
“Quelques fleurs sont fanées.”
“Certains jours, je suis fatigué.”
Indifference/Arbitrary
Referring to any item without preference.
“Un outil quelconque.”
“Une idée quelconque.”
Reference Table
| Form | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Chaque
|
Adjective + Singular Noun
|
Chaque jour
|
|
Certains
|
Adjective + Plural Noun
|
Certains jours
|
|
Quelques
|
Adjective + Plural Noun
|
Quelques jours
|
|
Quelconque
|
Noun + Adjective
|
Un jour quelconque
|
|
Quelque (sing)
|
Adjective + Singular Noun
|
Quelque temps
|
|
Quelque (adv)
|
Adverb + Number
|
Quelque 50 personnes
|
Formality Spectrum
Je possède certaines idées. (Work meeting)
J'ai quelques idées. (Work meeting)
J'ai des idées. (Work meeting)
J'ai des trucs. (Work meeting)
Indefinite Adjective Map
Distributive
- Chaque Every
Quantity
- Quelques A few
Arbitrary
- Quelconque Any
Examples by Level
Chaque jour est beau.
Every day is beautiful.
J'ai quelques amis.
I have a few friends.
Chaque fille chante.
Every girl sings.
Quelques chats dorment.
A few cats are sleeping.
Certains livres sont vieux.
Some books are old.
Prends un stylo quelconque.
Take any pen.
Chaque élève travaille.
Every student works.
Certaines fleurs sont rouges.
Some flowers are red.
Il a une idée quelconque.
He has some random idea.
Quelques problèmes persistent.
A few problems persist.
Chaque décision compte.
Every decision counts.
Certains jours, je voyage.
Some days, I travel.
C'est une solution quelconque.
It's a mediocre solution.
Quelques rares personnes savent.
A few rare people know.
Chaque citoyen a des droits.
Every citizen has rights.
Certaines théories sont fausses.
Some theories are false.
Quelque effort qu'il fasse.
Whatever effort he makes.
Une personne quelconque m'a appelé.
Some random person called me.
Chaque individu se sent concerné.
Every individual feels concerned.
Certains aspects restent flous.
Some aspects remain unclear.
Quelque grand qu'il soit.
However big he may be.
Un quelconque individu s'est présenté.
Some random individual showed up.
Chaque parcelle de terre compte.
Every plot of land counts.
Certaines vérités sont dures.
Some truths are hard.
Easily Confused
They sound identical but have different functions.
Both mean 'every' or 'all'.
Both mean 'some'.
Common Mistakes
Chaque jours
Chaque jour
Quelques livre
Quelques livres
Un quelconque livre
Un livre quelconque
Certains jour
Certains jours
Chaque des jours
Chaque jour
Quelque amis
Quelques amis
Quelconque homme
Un homme quelconque
Il a chaque idée
Il a une idée
Quelques de gens
Quelques personnes
Certains de livres
Certains livres
Quelque grand soit-il
Quelque grand qu'il soit
Un quelconque
Quelqu'un
Chaque fois que je le vois
Chaque fois que je le vois
Quelques-uns des livres
Quelques livres
Sentence Patterns
Chaque ___ est important.
J'ai quelques ___ à faire.
Certains ___ sont difficiles.
C'est un ___ quelconque.
Real World Usage
Chaque like compte !
Certains projets m'ont marqué.
Prenez n'importe quel train quelconque.
Chaque commande est vérifiée.
Quelques news ?
Certaines théories sont obsolètes.
Agreement Check
Chaque is singular
Quelconque position
Tone
Smart Tips
Use 'chaque' to emphasize individual items.
Use 'quelconque' to show flexibility.
Use 'certains' instead of 'des'.
Use 'quelques' for clarity.
Pronunciation
Liaison
Quelques amis is pronounced with a 'z' sound.
Emphasis
Chaque ↑ jour.
Emphasizing the distributive nature.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Remember: 'Chaque' is a 'Chameleon' that stays the same but demands a singular noun.
Visual Association
Imagine a row of identical boxes (Chaque), a small pile of coins (Quelques), and a random shape floating in the air (Quelconque).
Rhyme
Chaque is singular, never plural, Quelque is a few, always natural.
Story
Every morning (Chaque matin), I see a few (quelques) birds. I pick any (quelconque) book to read. Some (certains) days are better than others.
Word Web
Challenge
Write 5 sentences using each of the 4 adjectives in the next 5 minutes.
Cultural Notes
French speakers use 'quelconque' to show a lack of pretension.
Usage is similar, but 'chaque' is very common in formal speech.
Often used in administrative French with high precision.
Derived from Latin 'qualis' and 'unus'.
Conversation Starters
Chaque jour, que fais-tu ?
As-tu quelques projets pour l'été ?
Certains pensent que le travail est tout. Qu'en penses-tu ?
Préfères-tu un choix spécifique ou un choix quelconque ?
Journal Prompts
Common Mistakes
Test Yourself
___ jour, je travaille.
J'ai ___ amis.
Find and fix the mistake:
Chaque jours sont longs.
Arrange the words in the correct order:
All words placed
Click words above to build the sentence
Some days are hard.
Answer starts with: Cer...
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Il veut une solution ___.
___ personnes sont venues.
Score: /8
Practice Exercises
8 exercises___ jour, je travaille.
J'ai ___ amis.
Find and fix the mistake:
Chaque jours sont longs.
livre / un / quelconque / prends
Some days are hard.
Chaque
Il veut une solution ___.
___ personnes sont venues.
Score: /8
Practice Bank
10 exercisesJ'ai posté ___ photos de mes vacances sur Instagram.
Certains amie m'ont envoyé des messages.
livre / un / prête-moi / quelconque
Each user is responsible for their password.
Match the following:
Choose the 'unimpressive' vibe:
Il y a ___ années, j'habitais à Lyon.
J'ai un certain doute sur cette affaire.
About fifty people were there.
personnes / certaines / n'aiment / pas / le café
Score: /10
FAQ (8)
No, 'chaque' is strictly singular.
It can be neutral, but often implies 'random' or 'mediocre'.
Use 'quelques' for a few, or 'certains' for a subset.
Always after the noun.
It can be both, but 'quelques' (plural) is more common.
They range from neutral to formal.
Yes, they add precision.
'Quelques' is more specific about the quantity (a few).
Scaffolded Practice
1
2
3
4
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
Cada, algunos, cualquiera
Spanish 'cualquiera' can be a pronoun or adjective.
Jeder, einige, irgendein
German cases change the adjective endings.
Sorezore, ikutsuka, nan demo
No gender agreement.
Kull, ba'd, ayy
Agreement is based on root patterns.
Mei, yixie, renhe
No plural markers.
Every, some, any
English is more flexible with word order.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
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