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French Pronoun 'dont' with Numbers: Expressing 'Of Which' (dont trois, dont dix)

1 The French Neuter Pronoun (le) 2 French Identity: `soi` vs. `lui-même` (Self vs. Himself) 3 The 'Agreeing Adverb' (Tout) 4 French Article Omission: Minimalist Lists & Proverbs (Omission de l'article) 5 French Adjectives used as Adverbs (coûter cher, parler haut) 6 French Pronoun 'dont' with Numbers: Expressing 'Of Which' (dont trois, dont dix) 7 French Complex Plurals (des chefs-d'œuvre)

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C2 Pronouns 12 min read Medium

French Pronoun 'dont' with Numbers: Expressing 'Of Which' (dont trois, dont dix)

Use dont with a number to elegantly specify a subset within a larger group without repeating 'de'.

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Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds

Use 'dont' followed by a number to express 'of which' when describing a subset of a previously mentioned group.

Use 'dont' to introduce a relative clause that specifies a quantity: 'J'ai trois chats, dont deux sont noirs.'
The number must follow 'dont' directly: 'Il a invité dix amis, dont trois sont venus.'
Ensure the verb in the relative clause agrees with the subset, not the total group: 'dont trois sont venus' (plural).

Group + , + dont + Number + Verb

Overview

The French relative pronoun dont is a versatile tool you've likely mastered for constructions involving the preposition de (e.g., le livre dont je t'ai parlé). At the C2 level, however, its function expands into a more nuanced and powerful partitive role, particularly when combined with numbers or quantifiers. This structure, dont + [number], allows you to elegantly specify a precise subset of a previously mentioned group.

It's the linguistic equivalent of zooming in on a specific detail within a larger picture, translating to the English "of which" or "including."

Mastering this pattern is a hallmark of advanced proficiency. It allows you to move beyond disjointed sentences or the slightly cumbersome parmi lesquels or d'entre eux/elles. Instead of saying, `J'ai acheté dix macarons.

Trois d'entre eux sont à la pistache, you can create a single, fluid sentence: J'ai acheté dix macarons, dont trois à la pistache.` This construction conveys information with the concision and sophistication expected in professional, academic, and elevated social discourse. It demonstrates a deep understanding of French sentence architecture, showing that you can not only state facts but also weave them together into a cohesive and logical whole.

How This Grammar Works

At its core, dont is the genitive relative pronoun, meaning it signals a relationship of possession, origin, or belonging, fundamentally replacing de + its complement. When used with a number, dont expresses a partitive relationship: you are taking a part from a whole. The pronoun dont refers back to the antecedent (the whole group) and carries the meaning of de cet ensemble (of that group).

The number that follows then specifies the size of the 'part' you're discussing.

The syntactic unit formed by dont + [number/quantifier] functions as a cohesive block within the subordinate clause. This block can act as either the subject or the direct object of the verb that follows, which is a crucial concept to grasp.

1. When dont [nombre] is the Subject of the Sub-clause:

The subset of items performs the action in the sub-clause. The verb agrees with the number, which is plural if greater than one.

Formula: Antecedent + , dont + [Number] + Verb + ...
Example: L'entreprise a recruté cinquante nouveaux employés, dont dix commenceront dès lundi.
Analysis: The antecedent is cinquante nouveaux employés. dont means "of them." The subject of the second clause is the unit dix (employés), and this subject performs the action commenceront. The underlying meaning is: dix (des cinquante employés) commenceront.

2. When dont [nombre] is the Direct Object of the Sub-clause:

The subject of the sub-clause performs an action upon the subset of items.

Formula: Antecedent + , dont + Subject + Verb + [Number].
Example: Elle a écrit une série de douze articles, dont j'ai lu seulement quatre.
Analysis: The antecedent is une série de douze articles. dont means "of them." In the sub-clause, the subject is j', the verb is ai lu, and the direct object is quatre (articles). dont serves as the necessary link, replacing de ces articles.

Crucially, dont is invariable. It does not change for gender or number, making it syntactically streamlined compared to forms like duquel or desquelles. This invariability is a key reason for its prevalence and elegance in modern French.

Formation Pattern

The structure is consistent and logical. You begin with a main clause that establishes the whole group (the antecedent), and then you use the dont clause to provide specific information about a part of that group.

The general pattern is as follows:

[Main Clause introducing the antecedent], + dont + [Quantifier] + [Remainder of the Subordinate Clause]

A comma almost always precedes dont in this construction because it introduces a non-restrictive clause—additional information that is not essential to identify the antecedent. A second comma is often placed after the quantifier phrase for clarity and rhythm, especially in longer sentences.

Let's break down the two primary structures in a table for clarity:

| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |

| Subject | ... dont [plusieurs] + VERBE | J'ai vu de nombreux films cette année, dont plusieurs étaient décevants. | I saw many films this year, of which several were disappointing. |

| Direct Object | ... dont [sujet] + VERBE + [nombre] | Elle possède deux cents livres, dont elle a lu la moitié. | She owns two hundred books, of which she has read half. |

| Direct Object | ... dont [sujet] + VERBE + [un] | Il a proposé plusieurs solutions, dont nous avons accepté une. | He proposed several solutions, of which we accepted one. |

A critical point regarding verb agreement with avoir in the passé composé: the past participle does not agree with anything related to dont. This is because dont is an indirect complement (replacing de ...), not a preceding direct object. The direct object, if present, is the number itself, which typically follows the verb.

Correct: Voici les photos qu'elle a prises, dont j'ai acheté deux. (The direct object of acheter is deux, which comes after the verb. No agreement on acheté.)

Incorrect: *... dont j'ai achetées deux.

This is a frequent point of confusion. Remember that que can trigger agreement (les photos que j'ai achetées), but dont does not.

When To Use It

While grammatically correct in many situations, the dont + [number] structure is stylistically most appropriate in specific contexts where precision and a sophisticated tone are desired. A C2 learner uses it not just because they can, but because they know when it's the most effective choice.

Professional and Academic Writing: This is the ideal structure for reports, analyses, and formal correspondence. It allows you to present data and subsequent details in a single, economical sentence. L'étude a interrogé 1 000 personnes, dont 65% se sont déclarées satisfaites de la nouvelle politique. It sounds far more professional than two separate sentences.

Formal Presentations and Speeches: When speaking, this structure adds weight and clarity to your points. Nous avons identifié quatre risques majeurs, dont un requiert notre attention immédiate. It signals a well-organized thought process.

Literary and Narrative Writing: In storytelling, it's used to add descriptive layers without interrupting the narrative flow. Il se remémorait ses anciens camarades de classe, une trentaine d'élèves, dont la plupart avaient quitté la région depuis longtemps.

When Using Non-Numerical Quantifiers: This pattern is not limited to cardinal numbers. It works seamlessly with other quantifiers, which is essential for expressing nuanced quantities:
Indefinite quantifiers: plusieurs (several), certains (some), quelques-uns (a few)

Elle a invité tous ses collègues, dont plusieurs ne sont pas venus.

Partitive quantifiers: la plupart (most), la majorité (the majority), la moitié (half), le tiers (the third), une partie (a part)

Les manifestants, au nombre de cinq mille, dont la plupart défilaient pacifiquement, ont été dispersés par la police.

Percentages and fractions: 20%, un quart

La bibliothèque compte 80 000 ouvrages, dont 20% sont des éditions rares.

Essentially, you should opt for this structure whenever your goal is to connect a specific quantity directly back to a larger, already-defined group within the same sentence. It elevates your expression from simply listing facts to building complex, logical relationships between them.

Common Mistakes

Advanced learners often stumble on a few specific points where this structure interacts with other grammar rules. Awareness of these pitfalls is key to flawless execution.

1The Redundant en (Pleonasm): This is the most frequent error. Learners correctly identify that dont replaces a de phrase but then incorrectly add en, which also replaces a de phrase. This is like saying "of which of them."

Incorrect: *Il a de nombreux amis, dont j'en connais trois.
Why it's wrong: dont already means de ses amis. The pronoun en also means de ses amis. The sentence effectively says, "He has many friends, of whom I know three of them."
Correct: Il a de nombreux amis, dont je connais trois.

1Confusion with que and qui: Choosing the wrong relative pronoun breaks the sentence's logic. This error stems from misidentifying the function of the subset in the subordinate clause.

Incorrect: *J'ai lu dix livres que deux étaient des romans policiers.
Why it's wrong: que is a direct object pronoun. Here, the clause needs a subject, but que cannot be followed directly by the subject deux. The partitive relationship ("two of the ten books") requires de, and therefore dont.
Correct: J'ai lu dix livres, dont deux étaient des romans policiers.

1Confusion with parmi lesquels/lesquelles: While parmi lesquels (among which) is a grammatically correct alternative, it is significantly more formal and often heavier than dont. Using it in casual or standard professional contexts can sound stilted or overly academic.

Correct but formal: Il a interrogé vingt témoins, parmi lesquels cinq ont fourni un alibi.
More natural/versatile: Il a interrogé vingt témoins, dont cinq ont fourni un alibi.

As a C2 learner, you should recognize parmi lesquels but choose dont for greater fluency in most situations.

1Misunderstanding the Source of de: Some learners think dont can only be used if the main clause contains a verb or expression that takes de. In this partitive structure, the de is implicit in the part-to-whole relationship itself ([nombre] de [l'ensemble]), not necessarily tied to a verb like parler de or rêver de. This conceptual leap is vital for confident use of the pattern.

Real Conversations

This structure is not just for formal essays. It is actively used in modern, everyday French, though its form might be slightly adapted to the context. Here’s how you might see or hear it.

In Texting and on Social Media:

The language is often more direct and may include familiar terms. The structure's concision is perfect for character limits.

- On Instagram, under a photo gallery: Mes 10 meilleurs moments de 2025, dont 3 avec ce fou 🤪 (My 10 best moments of 2025, including 3 with this crazy guy)

- In a WhatsApp chat: J'ai testé 5 restos dans le quartier, dont un qui est incroyable, faut absolument qu'on y aille. (I tried 5 restaurants in the neighborhood, one of which is incredible, we absolutely have to go.)

- On X (Twitter): Le film a reçu 8 nominations aux Césars, dont 2 pour les acteurs principaux. Mérité ! (The film got 8 César nominations, including 2 for the main actors. Deserved!)

In a Workplace Context:

Here, the tone is more formal, and the structure is used for clarity and professionalism.

- During a meeting: Nous avons trois propositions sur la table, dont une seule est vraiment viable financièrement. (We have three proposals on the table, of which only one is truly financially viable.)

- In an email: Bonjour à tous, vous trouverez ci-joint les minutes de la réunion. Elles contiennent plusieurs points d'action, dont deux qui vous concernent directement, Paul. (Hi all, please find attached the meeting minutes. They contain several action items, two of which concern you directly, Paul.)

In Casual Spoken Conversation:

Native speakers use this fluidly to add details without starting a new sentence.

- On a regardé plein de vieilles photos de famille hier soir, dont certaines où mon père a une coupe de cheveux... assez spéciale. (We looked at a bunch of old family photos last night, including some where my dad has a... pretty special haircut.)

- Il m'a raconté toutes ses galères de voyage, dont une histoire de vol annulé où il a dû dormir à l'aéroport. (He told me all his travel nightmares, including one story about a canceled flight where he had to sleep at the airport.)

Quick FAQ

Q: Does dont refer only to things, or can it refer to people?

It refers to both. The structure is identical whether the antecedent is a person or an object. J'ai cinq frères, dont deux sont plus âgés que moi. and J'ai cinq livres, dont deux sont sur mon bureau. are grammatically parallel.

Q: What is the real difference between J'ai plusieurs amis, dont un est avocat and Un de mes amis est avocat?

The first sentence uses a complex structure to link two pieces of information: the existence of several friends, and the profession of one of them. The main topic is the group of friends. The second sentence is a simple, standalone statement of fact. Using dont creates a tighter narrative or logical connection, which is characteristic of more sophisticated speech and writing.

Q: You said dont comes from de, but I don't see a verb like parler de. Why is dont used?

This is a crucial C2-level point. The de here is partitive, not verbal. It's the de in an expression of quantity like trois de mes livres or certains d'entre eux. The dont structure elegantly absorbs this partitive de into a relative clause, linking a part to its whole.

Q: Is it possible to use inversion with this structure?

Yes, stylistic inversion is possible for a very formal or literary effect, though it's rare in speech. For example: Le rapport soulignait dix anomalies, dont étaient responsables trois services différents. (The report highlighted ten anomalies, for which three different departments were responsible). You should be able to recognize it, but use it sparingly.

Q: Is using dont with a number considered too formal for everyday chat?

Not at all. As seen in the examples, it's perfectly normal in casual conversation. It is simply a feature of correct, fluent French. Avoiding it in favor of simpler, choppier sentences would actually sound less natural for a native or advanced speaker. It’s about using the right tool for the job, and dont is often the most efficient one.

Q: Can I use this with abstract nouns?

Absolutely. It works perfectly with concepts, ideas, qualities, etc. Il a de nombreuses qualités, dont la patience n'est pas la moindre. (He has many qualities, of which patience is not the least.) Elle a mentionné plusieurs solutions, dont une me paraît irréalisable. (She mentioned several solutions, one of which seems unfeasible to me.)

Dont + Number Structure

Group	Connector	Number	Verb/Clause
J'ai dix amis	,	dont	trois sont venus
Il a vingt livres	,	dont	cinq sont neufs
Elle a cent photos	,	dont	dix sont floues
Nous avons deux chats	,	dont	un est roux
Ils ont trois voitures	,	dont	deux sont rouges
Il y a dix élèves	,	dont	aucun n'est prêt

Meanings

The relative pronoun 'dont' is used to replace a phrase introduced by 'de'. When combined with a number, it functions to isolate a portion of a previously mentioned set.

Subset specification

Identifying a specific number of items within a larger group.

“Il a acheté dix pommes, dont trois sont abîmées.”

“Nous avons visité cent villes, dont dix en France.”

Reference Table

Reference table for French Pronoun 'dont' with Numbers: Expressing 'Of Which' (dont trois, dont dix)
Form	Structure	Example
Affirmative	Group, dont + number + verb	J'ai dix amis, dont trois sont ici.
Negative	Group, dont + aucun + ne + verb	J'ai dix amis, dont aucun n'est venu.
Question	Combien de X, dont Y sont Z?	Combien de livres, dont trois sont vieux?
Percentage	Group, dont + X% + verb	J'ai cent euros, dont 10% sont pour toi.
Fraction	Group, dont + la moitié + verb	J'ai deux gâteaux, dont la moitié est mangée.
Formal	Group, dont + certains + verb	Il a des amis, dont certains sont célèbres.

Formality Spectrum

Formal

Je possède dix ouvrages, dont deux sont récents.

Je possède dix ouvrages, dont deux sont récents. (Describing a collection)

Neutral

J'ai dix livres, dont deux sont nouveaux.

J'ai dix livres, dont deux sont nouveaux. (Describing a collection)

Informal

J'ai dix bouquins, dont deux sont neufs.

J'ai dix bouquins, dont deux sont neufs. (Describing a collection)

Slang

J'ai dix bouquins, dont deux sont tout neufs.

J'ai dix bouquins, dont deux sont tout neufs. (Describing a collection)

The Dont Subset Concept

Total Group

Subset

dont of which
trois three

Examples by Level

J'ai trois stylos, dont deux sont bleus.

I have three pens, of which two are blue.

Il a quatre chats, dont un est blanc.

He has four cats, of which one is white.

Nous avons deux voitures, dont une est vieille.

We have two cars, of which one is old.

Elle a dix livres, dont trois sont ici.

She has ten books, of which three are here.

J'ai invité dix amis, dont trois sont venus.

I invited ten friends, of which three came.

Il y a vingt élèves, dont cinq sont absents.

There are twenty students, of which five are absent.

J'ai acheté six pommes, dont deux sont pour toi.

I bought six apples, of which two are for you.

Elle a visité cent villes, dont dix en Italie.

She visited one hundred cities, of which ten are in Italy.

Le rapport contient cinquante pages, dont dix sont des annexes.

The report contains fifty pages, of which ten are appendices.

Nous avons reçu cent candidatures, dont vingt sont excellentes.

We received one hundred applications, of which twenty are excellent.

Il a écrit plusieurs romans, dont trois sont célèbres.

He wrote several novels, of which three are famous.

J'ai vu beaucoup de films, dont deux cette semaine.

I saw many movies, of which two were this week.

L'entreprise emploie mille personnes, dont la moitié sont des ingénieurs.

The company employs one thousand people, of which half are engineers.

Il a analysé vingt dossiers, dont aucun n'était complet.

He analyzed twenty files, of which none were complete.

Nous avons testé dix produits, dont plusieurs sont défectueux.

We tested ten products, of which several are defective.

Elle a gagné dix médailles, dont trois en or.

She won ten medals, of which three are gold.

Le budget total est de cent mille euros, dont dix pour cent sont réservés.

The total budget is one hundred thousand euros, of which ten percent are reserved.

Parmi les cent participants, dont la plupart sont experts, il y a des débutants.

Among the hundred participants, of which most are experts, there are beginners.

Il a collectionné mille timbres, dont quelques-uns sont rares.

He collected one thousand stamps, of which a few are rare.

La bibliothèque possède des milliers d'ouvrages, dont certains datent du XVIIe siècle.

The library owns thousands of works, of which some date from the 17th century.

Il a publié une série d'articles, dont le dernier a suscité une vive polémique.

He published a series of articles, of which the last one sparked a lively controversy.

La ville compte de nombreux monuments, dont la cathédrale est le plus ancien.

The city has many monuments, of which the cathedral is the oldest.

Il a laissé derrière lui une fortune, dont une grande partie a été léguée à des œuvres caritatives.

He left behind a fortune, of which a large part was bequeathed to charities.

Ces mesures, dont l'efficacité reste à prouver, seront appliquées dès lundi.

These measures, of which the effectiveness remains to be proven, will be applied starting Monday.

Easily Confused

French Pronoun 'dont' with Numbers: Expressing 'Of Which' (dont trois, dont dix) vs Dont vs De qui

Learners think 'de qui' is the literal translation of 'of which'.

French Pronoun 'dont' with Numbers: Expressing 'Of Which' (dont trois, dont dix) vs Dont vs Duquel

Learners use 'duquel' when they should use 'dont'.

French Pronoun 'dont' with Numbers: Expressing 'Of Which' (dont trois, dont dix) vs Dont vs Parmi lesquels

Learners don't know when to use the formal 'parmi lesquels'.