autant
autant em 30 segundos
- Autant is primarily used to compare quantities of nouns (using 'de') or the intensity of verbs (standing alone).
- It differs from 'aussi' because 'aussi' is used for adjectives and adverbs, while 'autant' is for nouns and verbs.
- Common structures include 'autant de... que' for nouns and 'd'autant plus que' to mean 'all the more so because'.
- The phrase 'autant pour moi' is a common way to admit a mistake, though 'au temps pour moi' is the traditional spelling.
The French adverb autant is a cornerstone of comparative and quantitative expression in the French language. At its core, it functions as a marker of equality or intensity, translating most commonly to 'as much' or 'as many' in English. Unlike its cousin aussi, which is primarily used with adjectives and adverbs, autant is the dedicated tool for comparing quantities associated with nouns or the intensity of actions described by verbs. Understanding autant requires a shift in how we perceive scale; it is not just about a number, but about the balance between two points of reference. When you say you have autant de livres as someone else, you are establishing a mathematical and linguistic equilibrium. This word traces its lineage back to the Vulgar Latin ad tantum, which literally meant 'to such an extent'. Over centuries, it evolved from a simple indicator of magnitude into a versatile logical connector used in complex argumentative structures. In modern French, it serves as a bridge between simple counting and sophisticated rhetorical comparison. It is essential to distinguish its role in different syntactic environments: before a noun, it requires the preposition de; after a verb, it stands alone; and in comparative structures, it is followed by que. This versatility makes it one of the top 500 most frequent words in the French lexicon, appearing in everything from grocery lists to philosophical treatises.
- Quantitative Equality
- Used to express that two things have the same volume or number.
- Verbal Intensity
- Used to indicate that an action is performed to the same degree as another.
- Proportional Logic
- Used in structures like 'd'autant plus' to show a correlated increase.
J'ai autant de travail que toi aujourd'hui.
Il ne mange pas autant qu'avant.
Prends-en autant que tu veux.
C'est autant de gagné pour la suite.
Ils ont autant d'amis que nous.
Beyond simple quantity, autant carries a weight of 'sufficiency' or 'equivalence'. In literary contexts, it can be used to set up a parallel between two situations: Autant le premier film était captivant, autant le second est décevant (As much as the first film was captivating, the second is disappointing). This correlative use highlights the word's ability to structure entire arguments. It also appears in the common (though often debated) expression autant pour moi, used to admit a mistake. While the Académie Française prefers au temps pour moi, the 'autant' spelling is frequently encountered in informal writing, reflecting a semantic shift toward 'the same applies to me' or 'my mistake is of the same magnitude'. Mastering this word allows a learner to move from basic descriptions to nuanced comparisons of effort, time, and value.
Using autant correctly involves navigating three primary syntactic patterns. The first and most common is the comparison of nouns. In this structure, the formula is autant de + [noun] + que. For example, Elle a autant de patience que son frère. Notice that 'de' does not change to 'des' even if the noun is plural; it remains a fixed preposition of quantity. The second pattern involves verbs. Here, autant follows the verb directly to modify the intensity or frequency of the action: Il travaille autant que possible. The third pattern is the use of 'autant' as a standalone adverb in response to a question or to refer back to a previously mentioned quantity, such as J'en ai autant (I have just as much/many of it). This 'en' is crucial as it replaces the noun phrase that would have followed 'de'.
- The 'De' Rule
- Always use 'de' before a noun, regardless of gender or number.
- The 'Que' Connector
- Use 'que' to introduce the second term of the comparison.
- The 'En' Pronoun
- Use 'en' with 'autant' when the noun is implied but not repeated.
Tu as mis autant de sel que de poivre.
Je ne savais pas qu'il y avait autant de monde.
Il pleut autant ici qu'en Bretagne.
When dealing with negative comparisons, autant remains standard, but you will often see pas tant de in more emphatic or exclamatory contexts. However, for a neutral comparison of equality, ne... pas autant que is the safest choice. Another critical nuance is the distinction between autant and aussi. A common error for English speakers is using 'autant' with adjectives. Remember: Il est aussi grand que moi (He is as tall as me) vs Il a autant d'argent que moi (He has as much money as me). Adjectives take 'aussi', nouns and verbs take 'autant'. This distinction is non-negotiable in formal French and is a key marker of a student's proficiency level. Finally, consider the phrase d'autant que, which acts as a conjunction meaning 'especially since' or 'inasmuch as'. It adds a layer of causal justification to a statement, frequently used in professional and academic writing to provide additional reasons for a conclusion.
You will encounter autant in nearly every corner of French life, from the mundane to the highly formal. In a Parisian café, you might hear someone ordering autant de sucre as they had in their previous cup. In a corporate boardroom, a manager might discuss autant d'opportunités que de risques (as many opportunities as risks). The word is also a staple of French news media, particularly in economic reports comparing quarterly growth or social statistics. It carries a sense of balance and objective measurement that makes it indispensable for journalism. In literature, autant is used to create poetic parallels, often starting sentences to set a mood of equivalence between two disparate ideas. Even in sports commentary, you'll hear it when comparing the performance of two athletes: Il a autant de talent que son prédécesseur.
- Daily Conversations
- Used for comparing portions, prices, and time spent on tasks.
- Professional Settings
- Used in data analysis and comparative reports.
- Media & News
- Used to contrast social trends and economic figures.
On n'a jamais vu autant de neige en avril !
Il y a autant d'avis que de personnes dans cette pièce.
In the digital age, autant is ubiquitous in social media debates where users compare the merits of different products or viewpoints. It's also found in the 'Terms and Conditions' of French websites, where legal language specifies that certain rights apply en autant que (insofar as) certain conditions are met. Interestingly, the word also features in many French proverbs and idioms that have survived into modern speech. For instance, Autant chercher une aiguille dans une botte de foin (Might as well look for a needle in a haystack) uses 'autant' to express the futility of an action by comparing it to an impossible task. This rhetorical use—where 'autant' suggests 'one might as well'—is a high-frequency spoken pattern that learners should listen for to understand the speaker's underlying attitude of resignation or sarcasm.
The most frequent pitfall for learners is the confusion between autant and aussi. This is a classic 'false friend' of logic. English uses 'as' for both nouns and adjectives ('as much money' vs 'as tall'), but French demands a strict separation. Using autant grand instead of aussi grand is a dead giveaway of a non-native speaker. Another common error is forgetting the de when comparing nouns. Students often say autant les livres when they mean autant de livres. This 'de' is part of the quantifier structure and is mandatory. Furthermore, learners often struggle with the placement of autant when it modifies a verb in a compound tense. It should generally follow the past participle: J'ai travaillé autant que lui, not J'ai autant travaillé que lui (though the latter is sometimes acceptable for emphasis, the former is more standard).
- Autant vs Aussi
- Autant for nouns/verbs; Aussi for adjectives/adverbs.
- The Missing 'De'
- Always include 'de' before a noun: 'autant de courage'.
- Au temps vs Autant
- Confusing the spelling in the phrase 'au temps pour moi'.
Il est autant intelligent que toi.
Correct: Il est aussi intelligent que toi.
J'ai autant amis que lui.
Correct: J'ai autant de amis que lui.
A more subtle mistake involves the use of autant in negative sentences. While Je n'ai pas autant d'argent is perfectly correct, learners sometimes over-rely on it when tant would be more natural for an exclamation: Je n'ai jamais vu tant de monde ! (I've never seen so many people!). Use 'autant' for specific comparisons and 'tant' for general intensity. Additionally, be careful with the phrase en tant que. While it looks like autant, it means 'as' in the sense of 'in the capacity of' (e.g., en tant que professeur). Mixing these up can lead to confusing sentences like autant que professeur, which would mean 'as much as a professor', a completely different concept. Finally, ensure that when using autant que to compare clauses, the mood of the following verb is correct (usually indicative, but context matters).
To truly master autant, one must understand its relationship with other French quantifiers and comparatives. The most immediate relative is tant. While autant is primarily comparative (as much as), tant is primarily intensive (so much). You use tant to express a high degree without necessarily comparing it to something else: Il a tant couru qu'il est fatigué. Another similar word is tellement, which also means 'so much' or 'so' and is often interchangeable with tant in informal speech. However, tellement can also modify adjectives (tellement beau), whereas tant and autant cannot. Then there is aussi, the comparative twin of autant used exclusively for adjectives and adverbs. Understanding this 'Aussi vs Autant' divide is the most important distinction in French comparative grammar.
- Tant
- Focuses on intensity ('so much') rather than equality.
- Aussi
- The comparative for adjectives and adverbs ('as... as').
- Davantage
- Means 'more', often used as a more formal synonym for 'plus'.
Il y a autant de chaises que de tables.
Il y a tant de choses à faire !
We should also consider plus and moins, which form the other two sides of the comparative triangle (superiority and inferiority). Autant completes this by representing equality. In formal writing, you might encounter davantage, which means 'more' and can sometimes be used in structures similar to autant when discussing proportions. Another interesting comparison is with combien. While combien asks 'how much', autant answers with 'this much' (in relation to something else). Finally, the phrase tout autant is used to add emphasis, meaning 'just as much' or 'every bit as much'. For example, C'est tout autant sa faute que la mienne. This 'tout' reinforces the equality, making the comparison more pointed and definitive. By learning these related words, you build a semantic map that allows you to choose the precise level of intensity and comparison for any given situation.
How Formal Is It?
Nível de dificuldade
Gramática essencial
Comparatives of equality
Quantifiers with 'de'
The pronoun 'en'
Subordinate clauses with 'que'
Adverbial placement in compound tenses
Exemplos por nível
J'ai autant de pommes que toi.
I have as many apples as you.
Use 'autant de' before the noun 'pommes'.
Il y a autant de garçons que de filles.
There are as many boys as girls.
Repeat 'de' before each noun in the comparison.
Tu as autant d'eau que moi ?
Do you have as much water as me?
Use 'd'' before a vowel (eau).
Elle mange autant de pain que son frère.
She eats as much bread as her brother.
'autant de' is used for uncountable nouns like 'pain'.
Nous avons autant de devoirs.
We have as much homework.
'autant de' stays 'de' even with plural 'devoirs'.
Il n'y a pas autant de voitures ici.
There are not as many cars here.
Negative structure: 'ne... pas autant de'.
Prends autant de biscuits que tu veux.
Take as many cookies as you want.
Common phrase for offering things.
Ils ont autant de chats que nous.
They have as many cats as we do.
Simple comparison of possession.
Je travaille autant que mon mari.
I work as much as my husband.
'autant' follows the verb 'travaille' directly.
Il ne pleut pas autant qu'hier.
It isn't raining as much as yesterday.
Comparing the intensity of the verb 'pleuvoir'.
Tu étudies autant que possible ?
Are you studying as much as possible?
'autant que possible' is a common fixed expression.
Elle court autant que toi.
She runs as much as you.
Comparing the frequency or duration of an action.
J'en ai autant dans mon sac.
I have just as many in my bag.
Use 'en' to replace the noun previously mentioned.
On ne gagne pas autant d'argent ici.
We don't earn as much money here.
Negative comparison of a noun.
Ils sortent autant que nous le week-end.
They go out as much as we do on weekends.
Comparing social habits.
Il y a autant de monde qu'au concert.
There are as many people as at the concert.
Comparing a current situation to a past event.
Autant partir tout de suite pour éviter les bouchons.
Might as well leave right away to avoid traffic.
'Autant' + infinitive means 'might as well'.
Il a autant de talent que de modestie.
He has as much talent as modesty.
Comparing abstract qualities.
Je n'ai jamais vu autant de neige !
I have never seen so much snow!
Exclamatory use of 'autant de'.
C'est autant de temps perdu pour rien.
It's so much time lost for nothing.
'C'est autant de' emphasizes the quantity lost.
Il s'inquiète autant que sa mère.
He worries as much as his mother.
Comparing emotional states.
Tu peux en prendre autant que nécessaire.
You can take as much as necessary.
'autant que nécessaire' is a formal requirement.
Elle a autant d'influence que le directeur.
She has as much influence as the director.
Comparing social or professional power.
Nous avons fait autant de chemin que possible.
We have come as far as possible.
Metaphorical use of 'chemin'.
Je suis d'autant plus déçu que j'avais confiance.
I am all the more disappointed because I had trust.
'd'autant plus... que' expresses increased intensity.
Autant le dire franchement, c'est un échec.
Might as well say it frankly, it's a failure.
'Autant le dire' is used to introduce a blunt truth.
Il ne viendra pas, d'autant qu'il est malade.
He won't come, especially since he is sick.
'd'autant que' means 'especially since'.
Autant d'hommes, autant d'avis différents.
As many men, as many different opinions.
Correlative structure showing direct proportion.
C'est d'autant moins cher que c'est en solde.
It's all the less expensive because it's on sale.
'd'autant moins... que' is the opposite of 'd'autant plus'.
Il a autant de chances de gagner que moi de voler.
He has as much chance of winning as I do of flying.
Sarcastic comparison of impossibility.
Elle s'investit d'autant plus qu'elle aime son métier.
She invests herself all the more because she loves her job.
Showing motivation through 'd'autant plus'.
Autant en emporte le vent.
Gone with the wind.
Famous literary title/idiom meaning 'carried away'.
L'argument est d'autant plus recevable qu'il s'appuie sur des faits.
The argument is all the more admissible as it is based on facts.
Formal academic/legal usage.
Autant la forme est parfaite, autant le fond laisse à désirer.
As much as the form is perfect, the content leaves much to be desired.
Correlative 'Autant... autant' for balanced criticism.
Il ne s'agit pas tant de gagner que de participer, ou autant dire, de survivre.
It's not so much about winning as participating, or one might say, surviving.
'autant dire' used as a clarifying transition.
Cette mesure est d'autant plus nécessaire que la situation s'aggrave.
This measure is all the more necessary as the situation worsens.
Expressing urgency in formal contexts.
On peut s'interroger sur la pertinence d'autant de précautions.
One may wonder about the relevance of so many precautions.
'autant de' used to question excessive quantity.
D'autant que nul n'est censé ignorer la loi.
Especially since no one is supposed to be ignorant of the law.
Using 'd'autant que' to introduce a legal maxim.
Autant va la cruche à l'eau qu'à la fin elle se casse.
The pitcher goes so often to the well that it finally breaks.
Classic French proverb about repeated risks.
Il a fallu autant de patience que de diplomatie pour conclure cet accord.
It took as much patience as diplomacy to conclude this agreement.
Balanced abstract nouns in professional context.
La réussite d'un tel projet tient d'autant plus du miracle que les moyens manquaient.
The success of such a project is all the more miraculous given the lack of means.
High-level nuance combining 'd'autant plus' with 'tenir de'.
Autant l'ontologie se veut science de l'être, autant elle se heurte au néant.
As much as ontology claims to be the science of being, it equally confronts nothingness.
Philosophical parallel structure.
Il est d'autant moins aisé de conclure que les prémisses sont floues.
It is all the less easy to conclude since the premises are vague.
Logical deduction in formal discourse.
C'est autant de pris sur l'ennemi.
That's so much taken from the enemy (a small victory).
Archaic/idiomatic expression for a minor gain.
Autant dire que les espoirs de paix se sont évanouis.
One might as well say that hopes for peace have vanished.
Rhetorical summary of a dire situation.
La valeur d'une œuvre réside d'autant plus dans son mystère que dans sa technique.
The value of a work lies all the more in its mystery than in its technique.
Sophisticated aesthetic comparison.
En autant que faire se peut, nous maintiendrons cette politique.
Insofar as possible, we will maintain this policy.
Highly formal/archaic 'en autant que'.
Il y a dans son style autant de rigueur que de fantaisie pure.
There is in his style as much rigor as pure fantasy.
Balanced literary analysis.
Colocações comuns
Frases Comuns
Frequentemente confundido com
Expressões idiomáticas
Fácil de confundir
Used with adjectives: 'aussi grand'.
Used for intensity: 'tant de bruit' (so much noise).
Used for equality: 'autant de bruit' (as much noise).
Can modify adjectives and nouns for intensity.
Means 'more' (superiority).
Padrões de frases
Como usar
The shift from 'au temps' to 'autant' in common usage is a frequent topic of debate among French purists.
In some parts of Switzerland and Belgium, 'autant' might be used slightly more frequently in place of 'tant'.
- Using 'autant' with adjectives (e.g., 'autant grand' instead of 'aussi grand').
- Forgetting the 'de' before a noun (e.g., 'autant livres' instead of 'autant de livres').
- Using 'des' instead of 'de' for plural nouns (e.g., 'autant des amis').
- Confusing 'autant que' with 'en tant que' (comparison vs role).
- Misplacing 'autant' in compound tenses (it usually follows the past participle).
Dicas
The Noun Rule
Always remember the 'de'. If you see a noun, 'autant' needs its partner 'de'. It's like a bridge between the quantity and the object. Practice saying 'autant de' followed by plural nouns to get used to the sound.
Autant vs Aussi
Think of 'Aussi' as 'As-si' (like 'as' for adjectives). 'Autant' is for 'Amounts'. If you can count it or measure the time spent doing it, use 'autant'. If you are describing a quality, use 'aussi'.
Native Flow
Use 'autant pour moi' when you make a mistake. It's a very natural way to apologize for a slip of the tongue or a small error. It makes you sound much more like a native speaker than a long explanation would.
Logical Links
Use 'd'autant plus que' in your essays. It's a 'power phrase' that shows you can connect ideas logically. It's much more sophisticated than just using 'parce que' or 'car' repeatedly.
The 'En' Connection
Listen for 'j'en ai autant'. The 'en' is often spoken very quickly. If you hear 'j'en', expect a quantifier like 'autant' to follow. This is common in shops and restaurants.
Might as Well
Learn the 'Autant + Infinitive' structure. 'Autant rester ici' (Might as well stay here). It's a great way to express a suggestion when you're undecided or resigned to a situation.
Parallelism
Try the 'Autant... autant...' structure in your writing. It creates a beautiful balance in your sentences. 'Autant j'aime le vin, autant je déteste l'ivresse'. It shows a high level of linguistic control.
No 'Des'!
Never say 'autant des'. Even if the noun is plural, it's always 'autant de'. This is a rule that even advanced students sometimes forget when they are speaking quickly. Keep it simple: always 'de'.
Social Fairness
Use 'autant' to ensure fairness. In a French setting, equality is valued. Saying 'Est-ce que tout le monde en a autant ?' shows you are attentive to others and have good manners.
Windy Words
Remember 'Autant en emporte le vent'. It's not just a movie title; it's a way to say that something has disappeared or no longer matters. It's a poetic addition to your vocabulary.
Memorize
Mnemônico
Think of 'AU-TAN' as 'ALL-TAN' (All the same amount of Tan). If two people have the same amount of tan, they have 'autant' of it.
Origem da palavra
Latin
Contexto cultural
When sharing a bottle of wine, it is polite to ensure everyone has 'autant' in their glass.
Used frequently by classical playwrights like Molière to create comedic or dramatic parallels.
Pratique na vida real
Contextos reais
Iniciadores de conversa
"Est-ce que tu travailles autant que l'année dernière ?"
"Y a-t-il autant de touristes dans ta ville qu'à Paris ?"
"Est-ce qu'on mange autant de fromage dans ton pays qu'en France ?"
"Penses-tu qu'on a autant de liberté qu'avant ?"
"As-tu autant de temps libre que tu le souhaiterais ?"
Temas para diário
Compare ta routine actuelle avec celle d'il y a cinq ans en utilisant 'autant'.
Décris un projet qui demande autant de patience que de travail.
Pourquoi est-il important d'avoir autant de repos que d'activité ?
Réfléchis à une erreur que tu as faite (autant pour moi) et ce que tu as appris.
Compare deux de tes amis : ont-ils autant de points communs que de différences ?
Perguntas frequentes
10 perguntasUse 'autant' for nouns and verbs (e.g., autant de pain, il court autant). Use 'aussi' for adjectives and adverbs (e.g., aussi grand, aussi vite). This is the most important rule for comparisons of equality. If you are comparing 'how much' of a thing, choose 'autant'. If you are comparing 'how [description]' something is, choose 'aussi'.
Technically, the Académie Française says 'au temps pour moi' is correct, originating from military commands to restart the 'time' or rhythm. However, 'autant pour moi' is extremely common in modern writing and is accepted by many dictionaries as a valid variant. Most native speakers will not notice the difference in speech, but 'au temps' is preferred in formal writing. It is a classic 'pedantic' correction in French culture.
You only need 'de' if 'autant' is followed by a noun. For example, 'autant de pommes'. If 'autant' follows a verb or is used on its own, you do not use 'de'. For example, 'Il travaille autant' or 'J'en ai autant'. Never use 'des' after 'autant'; it is always 'de' or 'd'' before a vowel.
It means 'all the more so because' or 'especially since'. It is used to add a reason that makes a previous statement even stronger. For example, 'Je suis content, d'autant plus que c'est mon anniversaire' (I am happy, all the more so because it's my birthday). It is a very useful phrase for formal writing and logical arguments.
Yes, in exclamatory sentences like 'Je n'ai jamais vu autant de monde !' (I've never seen so many people!). While 'tant' is also used for this, 'autant' is perfectly correct and very common. It implies a comparison to a normal or expected amount, even if that comparison isn't explicitly stated.
When the noun has already been mentioned, use 'en' before the verb and 'autant' after it. For example, 'Tu veux du sucre ?' -> 'J'en veux autant' (I want as much [of it]). This avoids repeating the noun and makes your French sound more natural. It is a key skill for B1 level learners.
'Autant que' means 'as much as' (comparison). 'En tant que' means 'as' in the sense of 'in the capacity of' or 'in the role of' (e.g., En tant que médecin, je vous conseille...). They are not interchangeable and mixing them up is a common mistake for intermediate learners.
Yes, 'ne... pas autant que' means 'not as much as'. For example, 'Il n'est pas autant apprécié qu'avant'. It is a standard way to express inferiority by negating equality. In some cases, 'pas tant' can be used for more emphasis, but 'pas autant' is always safe.
Yes, in the structure 'Autant... autant...' to show a parallel (e.g., Autant il est calme, autant son frère est nerveux) or in the phrase 'Autant dire que...' (Might as well say that...). Starting a sentence with 'autant' is often a sign of a more advanced or literary style.
No, 'autant' is an adverb and is invariable. The 'de' that follows it is also a fixed preposition. So you say 'autant de livre' (if uncountable/singular concept) and 'autant de livres' (plural), but 'autant' and 'de' never change their spelling.
Teste-se 180 perguntas
/ 180 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
Mastering 'autant' is essential for expressing equality in French. Remember the golden rule: use 'autant' for things you can count or actions you perform, and always include 'de' before a noun. It is the logical bridge for balanced comparisons.
- Autant is primarily used to compare quantities of nouns (using 'de') or the intensity of verbs (standing alone).
- It differs from 'aussi' because 'aussi' is used for adjectives and adverbs, while 'autant' is for nouns and verbs.
- Common structures include 'autant de... que' for nouns and 'd'autant plus que' to mean 'all the more so because'.
- The phrase 'autant pour moi' is a common way to admit a mistake, though 'au temps pour moi' is the traditional spelling.
The Noun Rule
Always remember the 'de'. If you see a noun, 'autant' needs its partner 'de'. It's like a bridge between the quantity and the object. Practice saying 'autant de' followed by plural nouns to get used to the sound.
Autant vs Aussi
Think of 'Aussi' as 'As-si' (like 'as' for adjectives). 'Autant' is for 'Amounts'. If you can count it or measure the time spent doing it, use 'autant'. If you are describing a quality, use 'aussi'.
Native Flow
Use 'autant pour moi' when you make a mistake. It's a very natural way to apologize for a slip of the tongue or a small error. It makes you sound much more like a native speaker than a long explanation would.
Logical Links
Use 'd'autant plus que' in your essays. It's a 'power phrase' that shows you can connect ideas logically. It's much more sophisticated than just using 'parce que' or 'car' repeatedly.
Exemplo
Je n'ai pas autant de temps que toi.
Conteúdo relacionado
Frases relacionadas
Mais palavras de general
à cause de
A2Uma locução prepositiva usada para introduzir a causa de um evento, geralmente negativo ou neutro. Significa 'por causa de'.
à côté
A2Ao lado de; junto a.
à côté de
A2Next to, beside.
À droite
A2À direita ou do lado direito. Por exemplo: 'Vire à direita na próxima rua'.
À gauche
A2To the left; on the left side.
à la
A2A combinação da preposição 'à' e do artigo feminino 'la', significando 'à' ou 'na'.
à laquelle
B2To which; at which (feminine singular).
à mesure que
B2À medida que; conforme.
abrégé
B1An abstract, summary, or abridgment.
absence
A2The state of being away from a place or person.