plus... que in 30 Seconds
- Compares two things, indicating one has a quality to a greater degree.
- Essential for expressing 'more... than' in French.
- Structure: 'plus' + adjective/adverb + 'que'. Use 'plus de' for nouns.
- Widely used in all forms of communication.
- Literal Meaning
- Literally, 'plus' means 'more' and 'que' means 'than'. When combined, they form a comparative structure.
- Core Function
- The structure 'plus... que' is used to compare two things, indicating that one possesses a quality to a greater degree than the other. It's a fundamental part of expressing comparisons in French.
- Usage Scenarios
- This structure is incredibly versatile. You'll use it to compare almost anything: sizes, speeds, quantities, qualities, opinions, and more. It's used in everyday conversations, written texts, news reports, and academic discussions. For example, you might say that one city is larger than another, or that a book is more interesting than a movie.
- Grammatical Placement
- The 'plus' is placed directly before the adjective, adverb, or noun being compared, and 'que' introduces the second element of the comparison. This order is crucial for correct grammar.
- Beyond Basic Comparisons
- While its primary use is comparison, understanding 'plus... que' also helps in grasping nuances of French expression. It's the building block for more complex comparative and superlative structures. Mastering this will significantly improve your ability to express relative degrees of qualities.
This car is faster plus... que that one.
She sings plus... que him.
- Adjective Comparison
- When comparing adjectives, 'plus' precedes the adjective, and 'que' introduces the item being compared to. For instance, 'Ce livre est plus intéressant que le film.' (This book is more interesting than the movie.)
- Adverb Comparison
- Similarly, with adverbs, 'plus' comes before the adverb. For example, 'Il court plus vite que moi.' (He runs faster than me.)
- Noun Comparison
- For nouns, 'plus de' is used, followed by the noun and then 'que'. For instance, 'J'ai plus de livres que toi.' (I have more books than you.) This variation is important to note.
- Frequency in Speech
- You will encounter this structure extremely frequently in spoken French, from casual chats to formal presentations. It's a cornerstone of descriptive language.
- Contrast with 'moins... que'
- Understand that 'plus... que' is the direct opposite of 'moins... que' (less... than), reinforcing its role in comparative language.
- Basic Structure: Adjectives
- The most common use is comparing adjectives. The formula is: Subject + Verb + 'plus' + Adjective + 'que' + Object of Comparison. For example: 'Le thé est plus chaud que le café.' (Tea is hotter than coffee.) Here, 'chaud' (hot) is the adjective being compared.
- Basic Structure: Adverbs
- This structure also applies to adverbs, which modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs. The pattern is similar: Subject + Verb + 'plus' + Adverb + 'que' + Object of Comparison. For example: 'Elle travaille plus sérieusement que son collègue.' (She works more seriously than her colleague.) 'Sérieusement' (seriously) is the adverb.
- Basic Structure: Nouns
- When comparing quantities of nouns, the structure changes slightly to: Subject + Verb + 'plus de' + Noun + 'que' + Object of Comparison. For instance: 'J'ai plus d'argent que toi.' (I have more money than you.) Note the use of 'de' before the noun and the elision 'd' before a vowel sound.
- Comparing Verbs (less common directly)
- Directly comparing verbs using 'plus... que' is less common. Instead, you'd typically compare adverbs describing the verbs. For example, instead of 'He runs more than me', you'd say 'He runs faster than me' ('Il court plus vite que moi').
- Pronoun Usage
- After 'que', you often use subject pronouns (je, tu, il, elle, nous, vous, ils, elles) or object pronouns, depending on the grammatical context. For instance, 'Elle est plus grande que moi.' (She is taller than me.) Here, 'moi' is an object pronoun.
- Agreement with Adjectives
- Remember that adjectives must agree in gender and number with the noun they describe, even within a comparison. For example: 'Les pommes sont plus grosses que les oranges.' (The apples are bigger than the oranges.) 'Grosses' agrees with the plural feminine noun 'pommes'.
- Formality and Register
- The 'plus... que' structure is standard across all registers, from informal spoken French to formal written French. Its meaning and structure remain consistent.
My dog is plus... que yours.
This lesson is plus... que the last one.
- Comparing Quantities
- Consider this: 'Il y a plus de monde ici que dans l'autre salle.' (There are more people here than in the other room.) This uses 'plus de' for the noun 'monde' (people/crowd).
- Comparing Opinions
- You might express opinions like: 'Je pense que ce film est plus intéressant que celui que nous avons vu hier.' (I think this movie is more interesting than the one we saw yesterday.)
- Comparing Speed/Pace
- In action-oriented contexts: 'Le train va plus vite que la voiture.' (The train goes faster than the car.) Here, 'vite' (fast) is an adverb.
- Comparing Difficulty
- For academic or task-based comparisons: 'Cette tâche est plus difficile que la précédente.' (This task is more difficult than the previous one.)
- Comparing Size
- A simple size comparison: 'Ma maison est plus grande que la vôtre.' (My house is bigger than yours.)
- Everyday Conversations
- You'll hear 'plus... que' constantly in casual chats among friends and family. Whether discussing traffic, food preferences, or personal opinions, this structure is indispensable. For example, someone might say, 'Ce restaurant est plus cher que le précédent, mais la nourriture est meilleure.' (This restaurant is more expensive than the previous one, but the food is better.)
- Media and News
- News reports, documentaries, and articles frequently use comparisons. You might hear or read statements like: 'L'économie de ce pays a grandi plus rapidement que prévu.' (This country's economy grew faster than expected.) or 'Les températures sont plus élevées que la moyenne saisonnière.' (Temperatures are higher than the seasonal average.)
- Shopping and Consumer Language
- When comparing products or services, this structure is essential. Salespeople might say, 'Ce modèle offre plus de fonctionnalités que l'ancien.' (This model offers more features than the old one.) or customers might ask, 'Est-ce que ce produit est plus durable que l'autre?' (Is this product more durable than the other one?)
- Educational Settings
- In classrooms, teachers use it to explain concepts and compare ideas. Students might use it in essays or presentations. For example, a teacher might explain, 'La photosynthèse est un processus plus complexe que la respiration cellulaire.' (Photosynthesis is a more complex process than cellular respiration.)
- Travel and Geography
- When discussing places, you'll hear comparisons like: 'Paris est plus peuplé que Lyon.' (Paris is more populated than Lyon.) or 'Le climat ici est plus doux que dans le nord.' (The climate here is milder than in the north.)
- Personal Anecdotes
- People often share personal experiences using comparisons: 'J'ai trouvé ce livre plus captivant que le film.' (I found this book more captivating than the movie.) or 'Ma première tentative était plus difficile que celle-ci.' (My first attempt was more difficult than this one.)
- Sports Commentary
- Commentators will compare athletes' performances: 'Ce joueur court plus vite que le défenseur.' (This player runs faster than the defender.) or 'L'équipe a marqué plus de points dans la deuxième mi-temps.' (The team scored more points in the second half.)
The concert was plus... que I expected.
This book is plus... que the other one.
- Forgetting 'de' with Nouns
- A very common error is omitting 'de' when comparing nouns. Remember, it's 'plus de [noun] que'. For example, saying 'J'ai plus livres que toi' is incorrect. The correct form is 'J'ai plus de livres que toi.' (I have more books than you.)
- Incorrect Placement of 'plus'
- 'Plus' should directly precede the adjective or adverb being compared. Placing it elsewhere can change the meaning or make the sentence ungrammatical. For instance, 'Ce travail est intéressant plus que difficile' is wrong. It should be 'Ce travail est plus intéressant que difficile.' (This work is more interesting than difficult.)
- Confusing 'que' with 'qui'
- While 'que' is used for comparisons, 'qui' is a relative pronoun used as the subject of a clause. Mixing them up in comparative sentences leads to errors. For example, 'Il est plus grand qui moi' is incorrect. The correct form is 'Il est plus grand que moi.'
- Ignoring Adjective Agreement
- Learners sometimes forget that adjectives must agree in gender and number with the noun they modify, even within a comparison. For example, if comparing two feminine plural nouns, the adjective should be feminine plural. 'Les maisons sont plus grandes que les appartements' is correct, but 'Les maisons sont plus grand que les appartements' is not.
- Using 'plus' without 'que'
- 'Plus' on its own often means 'more' in a general sense or 'in addition'. When making a direct comparison, 'que' is essential. Saying 'J'ai plus' when you mean 'I have more than' is incomplete and incorrect in a comparative context.
- Using 'que' with 'moins' instead of 'plus'
- This is a conceptual error. 'Plus... que' means 'more... than'. If you intend to say 'less... than', you must use 'moins... que'. Confusing these changes the entire meaning of the comparison.
- Overuse of 'très' instead of 'plus'
- 'Très' means 'very' and indicates a high degree of a quality, but it doesn't involve a comparison. Using 'très' when you intend to compare is a mistake. For example, 'This is very good' ('C'est très bon') is not a comparison, whereas 'This is better than that' ('C'est plus bon que ça') involves comparison.
Incorrect: 'I have more books than you' -> 'J'ai plus livres que toi.' Correct: 'J'ai plus de livres que toi.'
Incorrect: 'This is more difficult than that' -> 'C'est plus difficile que ça qui.' Correct: 'C'est plus difficile que ça.
- 'Moins... que' (Less... Than)
- This is the direct antonym of 'plus... que'. It's used to indicate a lesser degree or quantity. Example: 'Ce livre est moins intéressant que le film.' (This book is less interesting than the movie.)
- Superlatives ('le/la/les plus...')
- While 'plus... que' compares two items, superlatives compare one item against a group (all others). They use 'le', 'la', 'les' before 'plus' (or 'le moins'). Example: 'C'est le plus grand bâtiment de la ville.' (It's the tallest building in the city.) This is related but distinct.
- 'Aussi... que' (As... As)
- This structure indicates equality in a quality. Example: 'Il est aussi intelligent que sa sœur.' (He is as intelligent as his sister.) It's another way to express comparison, focusing on similarity rather than difference.
- 'Tellement... que' (So... That)
- This structure expresses a consequence or result. Example: 'Il a plu tellement que la rivière a débordé.' (It rained so much that the river overflowed.) This is different from a direct comparison of degree.
- 'Trop... pour' (Too... To)
- This expresses an excess that prevents something. Example: 'Il est trop fatigué pour sortir.' (He is too tired to go out.) It implies a limit rather than a comparative degree.
- 'Même' (Even)
- While not a direct replacement, 'même' can sometimes emphasize a comparison implicitly. For example, 'Il est plus gentil que je ne le pensais, même.' (He is kinder than I thought, even.)
- Adverbial Phrases for Emphasis
- Phrases like 'nettement plus' (clearly more), 'beaucoup plus' (much more), or 'un peu plus' (a little more) can be used with 'plus... que' to specify the degree of difference.
- 'Plutôt' (Rather, Instead)
- 'Plutôt' can be used to indicate preference or a choice that leans towards one thing over another, which is a form of comparison but less direct. Example: 'Je préfère plutôt le thé.' (I prefer tea rather.)
'Plus... que' (More... Than) vs. 'Moins... que' (Less... Than)
'Plus... que' is for a greater degree; 'Moins... que' is for a lesser degree.
'Plus... que' (More... Than) vs. Superlatives ('Le plus...')
'Plus... que' compares two things. 'Le plus...' compares one thing to a whole group.
How Formal Is It?
"La probabilité de succès est nettement plus élevée que ce que nous avions anticipé."
"Ce film est plus long que le livre."
"T'es plus chiant que d'habitude !"
"Le chien est plus gros que le chat."
"Ce gars est plus vénère que la dernière fois."
Fun Fact
The structure 'plus... que' is remarkably stable and has been in use in French for centuries, evolving directly from its Latin ancestors. Its prevalence highlights the fundamental human need to compare and contrast.
Pronunciation Guide
- Pronouncing 'plus' with a long 'oo' sound (like 'plooce').
- Not articulating the final 's' in 'plus'.
- Pronouncing 'que' too strongly, like 'kay'.
Difficulty Rating
Recognizing the structure 'plus... que' is straightforward in reading. The main challenge comes from understanding the adjective/adverb/noun being compared and ensuring correct agreement or the use of 'de'.
Requires careful attention to grammar: correct placement of 'plus', correct use of 'que' vs. 'de', adjective agreement, and pronoun choice. Overuse or misuse can lead to errors.
Relatively easy to use in spoken French once the basic patterns are memorized. Fluency increases with practice.
The structure is very common, making it easy to identify and understand when listening to native speakers.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Adjective Agreement
Les pommes sont plus grosses que les oranges. ('grosses' agrees with 'pommes' - feminine plural)
Pronoun Usage After 'Que'
Il est plus grand que moi. (Using object pronoun 'moi' after 'que' when comparing to oneself.)
Use of 'de' with Nouns
J'ai plus de livres que toi. (Necessity of 'de' when comparing quantities of nouns.)
Formal vs. Informal Comparison
Elle est plus grande qu'il n'est. (Formal: using 'ne' explétif) vs. Elle est plus grande que lui. (Informal/Standard)
Comparison of Adverbs
Elle parle plus vite que son frère. ('vite' is an adverb modifying 'parle'.)
Examples by Level
C'est plus grand que ça.
This is bigger than that.
Simple adjective comparison.
Il y a plus de personnes.
There are more people.
Used with 'de' for nouns.
J'aime ça plus que ça.
I like this more than that.
Comparing preferences.
Elle court plus vite.
She runs faster.
Comparing adverbs.
Ce livre est plus long.
This book is longer.
Adjective comparison.
Il fait plus chaud ici.
It is hotter here.
Comparing temperature.
Nous avons plus de temps.
We have more time.
Comparing quantity of time.
C'est plus facile comme ça.
It is easier like this.
Comparing difficulty.
Cette maison est plus grande que la mienne.
This house is bigger than mine.
Comparing adjectives, using possessive pronouns.
Il a plus de frères que de sœurs.
He has more brothers than sisters.
Comparing nouns using 'plus de... que de'.
Je préfère ce film, il est plus intéressant.
I prefer this film, it is more interesting.
Expressing preference and comparison.
Elle parle français plus couramment que moi.
She speaks French more fluently than me.
Comparing adverbs.
Le trajet est plus long aujourd'hui.
The journey is longer today.
Comparing length of a journey.
Ce café est plus fort que celui d'hier.
This coffee is stronger than yesterday's.
Comparing intensity of flavor.
Il y a plus de voitures sur la route.
There are more cars on the road.
Comparing quantity of objects.
Cette méthode est plus efficace.
This method is more effective.
Comparing effectiveness.
Ce livre coûte plus cher que le précédent.
This book costs more than the previous one.
Comparing cost (adverbially).
Il travaille plus dur pour réussir.
He works harder to succeed.
Comparing effort (adverb).
La température est plus basse ce matin.
The temperature is lower this morning.
Comparing temperature (adjective).
Elle a plus d'expérience que son collègue.
She has more experience than her colleague.
Comparing abstract nouns.
Ce film est moins émouvant que le livre.
This film is less moving than the book.
Using 'moins... que' for contrast.
Les résultats de cette année sont plus encourageants.
This year's results are more encouraging.
Comparing outcomes.
Il est plus facile de comprendre avec des exemples.
It is easier to understand with examples.
Comparing ease of understanding.
Cette situation est plus complexe qu'il n'y paraît.
This situation is more complex than it seems.
Comparing complexity.
L'impact de cette décision sera plus significatif que prévu.
The impact of this decision will be more significant than expected.
Comparing abstract concepts.
Elle a géré la crise plus efficacement que son prédécesseur.
She managed the crisis more effectively than her predecessor.
Comparing effectiveness of actions (adverb).
Le marché boursier a montré plus de volatilité récemment.
The stock market has shown more volatility recently.
Comparing abstract qualities (volatility).
Nous avons besoin de plus de données pour confirmer cette hypothèse.
We need more data to confirm this hypothesis.
Comparing quantities of abstract nouns.
Son discours était moins persuasif que celui de son adversaire.
His speech was less persuasive than his opponent's.
Comparing persuasive power.
La technologie évolue plus rapidement que jamais.
Technology is evolving faster than ever.
Comparing speed of development.
Il est plus judicieux d'attendre avant de prendre une décision.
It is wiser to wait before making a decision.
Comparing wisdom of actions.
L'accès à l'éducation est plus équitable dans certains pays.
Access to education is more equitable in some countries.
Comparing fairness of access.
La complexité de cette œuvre dépasse largement celle de ses travaux précédents.
The complexity of this work far exceeds that of his previous works.
Comparing abstract qualities with emphasis.
Il a abordé le problème avec une perspicacité plus profonde que nous ne l'aurions imaginé.
He approached the problem with a deeper insight than we would have imagined.
Comparing depth of understanding.
Les conséquences écologiques de cette industrie sont plus dévastatrices que celles d'autres secteurs.
The ecological consequences of this industry are more devastating than those of other sectors.
Comparing severity of impact.
Elle a démontré une résilience plus remarquable face à l'adversité.
She demonstrated more remarkable resilience in the face of adversity.
Comparing abstract qualities (resilience).
Le débat était moins tranché que ce à quoi on pouvait s'attendre.
The debate was less decisive than one might have expected.
Comparing decisiveness.
L'innovation technologique progresse à un rythme plus exponentiel.
Technological innovation is progressing at a more exponential rate.
Comparing rates of progress.
Il est plus pertinent d'analyser les causes profondes que les symptômes superficiels.
It is more relevant to analyze the root causes than the superficial symptoms.
Comparing relevance of analysis.
La perception publique de cet événement fut plus nuancée qu'initialement rapporté.
The public perception of this event was more nuanced than initially reported.
Comparing subtlety of perception.
La subtilité de son argumentation dépassait de loin celle de ses contemporains.
The subtlety of his argumentation far surpassed that of his contemporaries.
Comparing nuanced argumentation.
Il a fait preuve d'une acuité intellectuelle plus pénétrante que quiconque dans son domaine.
He displayed a more penetrating intellectual acuity than anyone in his field.
Comparing intellectual depth.
Les répercussions de cette politique s'avérèrent plus insidieuses que les projections initiales ne le laissaient présager.
The repercussions of this policy proved to be more insidious than initial projections suggested.
Comparing insidious effects.
Elle manifesta une fortitude morale plus inébranlable face aux épreuves.
She manifested a more unshakeable moral fortitude in the face of trials.
Comparing abstract moral strength.
Le consensus autour de cette question était moins marqué que ce que les sondages laissaient croire.
The consensus on this issue was less pronounced than polls suggested.
Comparing degree of agreement.
La transformation numérique s'accélère à une vélocité plus vertigineuse.
Digital transformation is accelerating at a more dizzying velocity.
Comparing extreme speed.
Il est plus impératif d'aborder les causes profondes que de traiter les symptômes passagers.
It is more imperative to address the root causes than to treat the fleeting symptoms.
Comparing urgency and importance.
La réception critique de son œuvre fut paradoxalement plus élogieuse que celle de ses œuvres précédentes, malgré leur apparente simplicité.
The critical reception of his work was paradoxically more laudatory than that of his previous works, despite their apparent simplicity.
Comparing critical reception with a paradoxical element.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
— More... than me. Used to compare oneself to another person.
Il est plus grand que moi.
— More... than him/her. Used to compare someone to 'him' or 'her'.
Elle est plus intelligente que lui.
— More... than us. Used to compare someone to 'us'.
Ils sont plus nombreux que nous.
— More... than you (plural or formal singular).
Vous avez plus de travail que vous.
— More... than that. Used to compare to a previously mentioned item or situation.
C'est plus cher que ça.
— More X than Y. Used for comparing two different nouns.
Il y a plus de garçons que de filles dans la classe.
— Much more... than. Used to emphasize a significant difference.
Ce livre est beaucoup plus intéressant que le film.
— A little more... than. Used to indicate a slight difference.
Il est un peu plus âgé que moi.
— Clearly more... than. Used to emphasize a clear and obvious difference.
Cette option est nettement plus avantageuse que l'autre.
Often Confused With
This is the opposite, meaning 'less... than'. It's crucial to differentiate between indicating a greater or lesser degree.
This indicates equality ('as... as'), not a difference in degree.
This is a superlative, used to compare one item to a whole group ('the most'), whereas 'plus... que' compares only two items.
Idioms & Expressions
— To have more than one trick up one's sleeve; to be resourceful and have many skills or solutions.
Ne sous-estimez pas ce candidat, il a plus d'un tour dans son sac.
Informal— To do more than one's fair share; to contribute extra effort.
Dans ce projet, elle a fait plus que sa part pour assurer le succès.
Neutral— To be content with what one has; not to be greedy.
Il est humble et ne veut pas plus que ce qu'il a.
Neutral— The more things change, the more they stay the same. (A cynical observation about the unchanging nature of things despite apparent change.)
Le gouvernement a changé plusieurs fois, mais plus ça change, plus c'est la même chose.
Proverbial/Informal— To have no more chance than; to have very little chance.
Sans préparation, tu n'auras pas plus de chances que les autres.
Neutral— To have more than one string to one's bow; to have multiple skills or talents.
Elle est musicienne et peintre, elle a plus d'une corde à son arc.
Informal— To have more money than sense; to be foolish with money.
Il achète des choses inutiles, il a plus d'argent que de beurre.
Informal/Colloquial— More than once; on several occasions.
Je l'ai vu plus d'une fois dans ce quartier.
Neutral— One more (often used ironically or resignedly).
Encore un problème ? Un de plus !
Informal— More than one reason.
Il y a plus d'une raison pour laquelle je suis en retard.
NeutralEasily Confused
'Que' is a very common word in French with many uses (conjunction, relative pronoun, interrogative pronoun). In this context, it specifically functions as a conjunction introducing the second element of a comparison.
While 'que' can mean 'what' or introduce a subordinate clause, in 'plus... que', it strictly means 'than' and is part of the comparative structure.
'Qu'est-ce que c'est ?' (What is it?) vs. 'Ce livre est plus long que le film.' (This book is longer than the movie.)
'Plus' on its own can mean 'more' in a general sense (e.g., 'J'ai plus') or 'in addition'. It's also used in superlatives ('le plus').
In the comparative structure 'plus... que', 'plus' must be followed by 'que' (or 'de' before a noun) to establish a direct comparison between two entities.
'J'ai plus de temps.' (I have more time - general) vs. 'J'ai plus de temps que toi.' (I have more time than you - comparative.)
'De' also has many uses (possession, partitive, etc.). It's essential when comparing quantities of nouns.
When comparing adjectives or adverbs, 'plus' is used directly. When comparing nouns, 'plus de' is required before the noun being quantified.
'Il est plus rapide.' (He is faster - adverb) vs. 'Il a plus de vitesse.' (He has more speed - noun, requiring 'de'.)
'Qui' is a relative pronoun often used as a subject. Learners might confuse it with 'que'.
'Que' is used for comparisons. 'Qui' is used in relative clauses where it acts as the subject of the verb in that clause.
'C'est moi qui ai fait ça.' (It's me who did that.) vs. 'C'est moi qui ai plus de chances.' (It's me who has more chances.)
Sometimes used in comparative contexts for emphasis, but it's not a direct comparative marker.
'Même' can mean 'even' or 'same'. It doesn't form the core comparative structure like 'plus... que'.
'Il est plus grand, même.' (He is taller, even.) - emphasizing the height. vs. 'Il est plus grand que moi.' (He is taller than me.) - direct comparison.
Sentence Patterns
Subject + Verb + plus + Adjective + que + Object.
Ce chat est plus petit que ce chien.
Subject + Verb + plus de + Noun + que + Object.
J'ai plus de stylos que toi.
Subject + Verb + plus + Adverb + que + Object.
Il marche plus lentement que moi.
Subject + Verb + plus + Adjective + que + Pronoun.
Elle est plus intelligente que lui.
Subject + Verb + plus de + Noun + que + Pronoun.
Nous avons plus de travail que vous.
Subject + Verb + plus + Adjective + que + ne + Verb (formal).
Ce livre est plus intéressant qu'il ne le paraît.
Subject + Verb + plus + Adverb + que + ne + Verb (formal).
Elle chante plus juste qu'elle ne le faisait avant.
Subject + Verb + plus de + Noun + que + ne + Verb (formal).
Il a plus de succès qu'il ne l'espérait.
Word Family
Nouns
Adjectives
Related
How to Use It
Extremely High
-
Forgetting 'de' with nouns.
→
J'ai plus de livres que toi.
When comparing quantities of nouns, 'plus de' is required. The mistake is omitting 'de', as in 'J'ai plus livres que toi.'
-
Incorrect placement of 'plus'.
→
Ce film est plus intéressant que le livre.
'Plus' should precede the adjective or adverb being compared. Placing it incorrectly, like 'Ce film est intéressant plus que le livre', changes the meaning or is ungrammatical.
-
Confusing 'que' and 'qui'.
→
Elle est plus rapide que lui.
'Que' is used for comparisons. 'Qui' is a relative pronoun. A sentence like 'Elle est plus rapide qui lui' is incorrect.
-
Ignoring adjective agreement.
→
Les maisons sont plus grandes que les appartements.
The adjective 'grand' must agree with the noun it modifies. Here, 'grandes' is feminine plural to match 'maisons'. Failing to agree is a common error.
-
Using 'plus' without 'que' for comparison.
→
Il a plus de chances que toi.
'Plus' alone means 'more' generally. To make a direct comparison between two items, 'que' is essential. Saying 'Il a plus' when meaning 'He has more chances than you' is incomplete.
Tips
Noun vs. Adjective/Adverb Comparison
Remember the key difference: for nouns, it's 'plus de [noun] que'. For adjectives and adverbs, it's 'plus [adjective/adverb] que'. This is a frequent point of confusion for learners.
Clear Articulation
Make sure to pronounce the 's' in 'plus' clearly and the 'que' sound as 'kuh'. Avoid slurring these sounds, as they are crucial for distinguishing the comparative structure.
Adjective Agreement is Key
When comparing nouns using adjectives, always ensure the adjective agrees in gender and number with the noun it modifies. This is a fundamental rule of French grammar that applies here too.
Sentence Building Practice
Create your own sentences comparing things you see around you. Start with simple objects and then move to more abstract concepts. This active practice solidifies understanding.
Listen to Native Speakers
Pay close attention to how French speakers use 'plus... que' in movies, podcasts, and conversations. Notice the intonation and the words they choose to compare.
Avoid 'plus que' Alone
'Plus' alone doesn't form a comparison. You need 'que' to complete the comparative structure. Saying 'C'est plus' is incomplete when you mean 'It's more than X'.
Understanding Nuance
While 'plus... que' is the most common, phrases like 'davantage' or 'supérieur à' can sometimes offer a slightly different nuance or formality. Be aware of these alternatives.
Formal 'ne' Explétif
In formal written French, you might see 'ne' used before the verb after 'que' (e.g., 'Elle est plus grande qu'il ne l'est'). This 'ne' is optional and often omitted in everyday speech.
Visual Aids
Use mental images, like a scale or two contrasting objects, to remember the concept of comparison and the 'plus... que' structure. The more senses you engage, the better you'll remember.
Compare Everything!
Make it a habit to compare things around you in French, even to yourself. 'My coffee is hotter than yours,' 'This task is harder than the last one.' The more you use it, the more natural it becomes.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Imagine two giant elephants, one 'plus' big than the other. The 'que' is like a bridge connecting them in comparison. 'Plus' (big elephant) 'que' (bridge) 'other elephant'.
Visual Association
Picture a scale with two sides. One side is significantly lower, representing 'less', and the other side is much higher, representing 'plus'. The 'que' is the beam of the scale connecting the two sides, indicating the comparison.
Word Web
Challenge
Try to describe five things around you using the 'plus... que' structure. For example, 'My phone is faster than my computer.' or 'This chair is more comfortable than that one.'
Word Origin
The French phrase 'plus... que' originates from Latin. 'Plus' comes from the Latin word 'plus', meaning 'more'. 'Que' comes from the Latin word 'quae', which is the feminine nominative singular form of the relative pronoun 'qui'. In Vulgar Latin, 'plus quam' evolved into the comparative structure we see today.
Original meaning: 'More than'.
Indo-European > Italic > Latin > Romance > Gallo-Romance > FrenchCultural Context
While generally neutral, the context of the comparison can sometimes carry emotional weight. For example, comparing someone's achievements negatively could be sensitive.
The direct English equivalent is 'more... than'. Understanding this parallel is key for English speakers learning French.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Comparing everyday objects and their qualities.
- C'est plus cher que ça.
- C'est plus grand que ça.
- C'est plus facile que ça.
Discussing personal preferences and opinions.
- Je préfère ça plus que ça.
- C'est plus intéressant que le film.
- Il est plus sympa que son frère.
Talking about quantities and amounts.
- J'ai plus de temps que toi.
- Il y a plus de monde ici.
- Nous avons plus d'argent.
Describing actions and speed.
- Il court plus vite que moi.
- Elle travaille plus dur.
- Le train va plus vite que la voiture.
Making recommendations or evaluations.
- C'est plus pratique que l'autre option.
- C'est plus sûr que de prendre des risques.
- Ce restaurant est plus bon que celui-là.
Conversation Starters
"What's your favorite type of music, and why do you like it more than others?"
"Which city have you visited that you found more beautiful than any other?"
"Describe a time when something was more difficult than you expected."
"What's something you've learned recently that you find more interesting than you thought it would be?"
"If you could have more of anything, what would it be and why?"
Journal Prompts
Write about a comparison between your current situation and a past one. What is different, and what is the same?
Describe your ideal vacation. What makes it more appealing than other types of vacations?
Compare two important decisions you've made in your life. Which one do you think was 'better' and why?
Write about a skill you possess that you believe is more valuable than others. Explain its importance.
Reflect on a time you were proven wrong about something. Was the reality more surprising than your initial expectation?
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsThe structure 'plus... que' is used to compare two specific things. For example, 'This book is more interesting than that movie.' ('Ce livre est plus intéressant que ce film.'). The structure 'le plus...' (or 'la plus...', 'les plus...') is a superlative, used to compare one thing to a group of things, indicating it has the quality to the highest degree. For example, 'This is the most interesting book.' ('C'est le livre le plus intéressant.')
You use 'plus de' when you are comparing quantities of nouns. For example, 'J'ai plus de livres que toi.' (I have more books than you.) If you are comparing adjectives or adverbs, you use 'plus' directly before the adjective or adverb. For example, 'Ce livre est plus long que le film.' (This book is longer than the movie.)
The adjective must agree in gender and number with the noun it describes, just as it normally would in French. For example, 'Les pommes sont plus grosses que les oranges.' (The apples are bigger than the oranges.) Here, 'grosses' is feminine plural to agree with 'pommes'.
Directly comparing verbs with 'plus... que' is uncommon. Instead, you would typically compare adverbs that describe the verbs. For example, instead of saying 'He runs more than me' directly with a verb, you would say 'He runs faster than me' ('Il court plus vite que moi'), where 'vite' is an adverb.
Common mistakes include forgetting 'de' when comparing nouns (saying 'plus livres' instead of 'plus de livres'), incorrect placement of 'plus', confusing 'que' with 'qui', and neglecting adjective agreement. Another mistake is using 'plus' when 'moins' (less) is intended.
Yes, 'plus... que' is used across all registers, from very informal spoken French to formal written French. The structure itself is standard. However, the choice of adjectives, adverbs, and the presence of the optional 'ne' explétif (in formal contexts) can indicate the register.
The direct opposite is 'moins... que', which means 'less... than'. For example, 'This is less expensive than that' would be 'C'est moins cher que ça.'
You use 'plus... que' followed by the appropriate pronoun. For example, 'Il est plus grand que moi.' (He is taller than me.) or 'Elle est plus intelligente que toi.' (She is smarter than you.)
Yes, 'plus' can be used alone, but it doesn't form a comparative structure. It often means 'more' in a general sense (e.g., 'J'ai plus' - I have more) or 'in addition' (e.g., 'en plus' - in addition). For a direct comparison between two things, 'que' is essential.
Yes, you can use adverbs like 'beaucoup' (much), 'nettement' (clearly), 'largement' (largely), or 'un peu' (a little) before 'plus' to specify the degree of difference. For example, 'C'est beaucoup plus cher que l'autre.' (It's much more expensive than the other one.)
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Summary
The French phrase 'plus... que' is your primary tool for making comparisons, equivalent to 'more... than' in English. Master its structure with adjectives, adverbs, and especially the 'plus de... que' variation for nouns, to express relative degrees of qualities and quantities effectively in everyday conversation and writing.
- Compares two things, indicating one has a quality to a greater degree.
- Essential for expressing 'more... than' in French.
- Structure: 'plus' + adjective/adverb + 'que'. Use 'plus de' for nouns.
- Widely used in all forms of communication.
Noun vs. Adjective/Adverb Comparison
Remember the key difference: for nouns, it's 'plus de [noun] que'. For adjectives and adverbs, it's 'plus [adjective/adverb] que'. This is a frequent point of confusion for learners.
Clear Articulation
Make sure to pronounce the 's' in 'plus' clearly and the 'que' sound as 'kuh'. Avoid slurring these sounds, as they are crucial for distinguishing the comparative structure.
Adjective Agreement is Key
When comparing nouns using adjectives, always ensure the adjective agrees in gender and number with the noun it modifies. This is a fundamental rule of French grammar that applies here too.
Sentence Building Practice
Create your own sentences comparing things you see around you. Start with simple objects and then move to more abstract concepts. This active practice solidifies understanding.
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à deux
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à domicile
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A2Forever, for all time.
à la charge de
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à la mémoire de
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à l'image de
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