pmpcomplete: ch1 gram

Question 1

The partitive article

Answer 1

The partitive article is used when the exact quantity of an item is unknown. In English, the partitive article is often omitted. We say, “I want bread” or “I want some bread.” However, the partitive article is always required in French. It is formed by combining de and the definite article.

Question 2

de + le =

Answer 2

du

Question 3

de + l’ =

Answer 3

de l’

Question 4

de + la =

Answer 4

de la

Question 5

de + les =

Answer 5

des

Question 6

When used in the negative, the du, de la, and des all become what and why?

Answer 6

De because the quantity of the item doesn’t exist any longer

Question 7

With what verb should you always use the partitive article, even when negative?

Answer 7

être

Question 8

É

Answer 8

The accent aigu (acute accent) ´ is used only with the vowel e, as in été (summer), and it indicates that the vowel should be pronounced as a closed e. Think of the e in the English word bed.

Question 9

È, À, and Ù

Answer 9

The accent grave (grave accent) ` is used on the vowels a, e, and u, as in à (at, in) and mère (mother), and has a more open pronunciation. For example, è resembles the vowel sound in the English word bad. (If you ever meet someone from Geneva, Switzerland, ask him or her to pronounce the name of that city: Genève. You will hear a deliciously open vowel in the second syllable.)

Question 10

Circumflex

Answer 10

The accent circonflexe ˆ (circumflex) can be found on a, e, i, o, and u If the English cognate contains an s that is missing in the French word, you may assume that the French word will need a circumflex accent, which fills the space created by the disappearance of the s in French. Most of these words, as you may have guessed, are derived from Latin.