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The Comparative and the Superlative (le comparatif et le superlatif) Flashcards

0
Q

The Comparative and the Superlative (le comparatif et le superlatif)
David is older than his father.

A

David est plus âgé que son frère.

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1
Q

The Comparative and the Superlative (le comparatif et le superlatif)
How is the comparative of adjectives expressed in French?

A
  • Superiority
    plus+adjective+que
    f.e. Anne est plus intelligente que Marie.
    -Inferiority
    moins+adjective+que
    Le Tour Eiffel est moins haute que le viaduc de Millau.
  • Equality
    aussi+adjective+que
    L’espagnol est aussi difficile que le français.
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2
Q

The Comparative and the Superlative (le comparatif et le superlatif)
Dark chocolat is less sweet than milk chocolate.

A

Le chocolat noir est moins sucré que le chocolat au lait.

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3
Q

The Comparative and the Superlative (le comparatif et le superlatif)
Women are as hardworking as men.

A

Les femmes sont aussi travailleuses que les hommes.

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4
Q

The Comparative and the Superlative (le comparatif et le superlatif)
That’s easier.

A

C’est plus facile.

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5
Q

The Comparative and the Superlative (le comparatif et le superlatif)
Which pronouns follow “que” in a comparison?

A

moi, toi, lui, elle, nous, vous, eux.

f.e. Ma soeur est plust jolie que moi.

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6
Q

The Comparative and the Superlative (le comparatif et le superlatif)
On what depends the position of an adjective in expressions such as “a smaller car, a more interesting movie, etc.”?

A

The position of the comparative of an adjective in above expressions depends on what kind of adjective is being used. If the adjective is normally placed before the noun (petit, grand, bon, mauvais, vieux, jeune, joli, beau, etc.) ita comparative form can be placed before or after the noun. If the adjective normally follows the noun (like most adjectives), its comparative form can only be placed after the noun.

une plus petite voiture (or: une voiture plus petite)
une voiture plus chère

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7
Q

The Comparative and the Superlative (le comparatif et le superlatif)
What are the comparatives of the adjective “bon”?

A

The adjective “bon” has an irregular comparative of superiority, “meilleur” (better).
f.e. Le champagne brut est meilleur que le champagne doux.

The other comparatives of “bon” are regular.

f. e. moins bon(ne)(s) que
f. e. aussi bon(ne)(s) que

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8
Q

The Comparative and the Superlative (le comparatif et le superlatif)
He wants to make the wrold better.

A

Il veut rendre le monde meilleur.

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9
Q

The Comparative and the Superlative (le comparatif et le superlatif)
Are you in a better mood today?

A

Es-tu de meilleure humeur aujourd’hui?

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10
Q

The Comparative and the Superlative (le comparatif et le superlatif)
Does “meilleur”, the comparative form of the adjective “bon”, agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies?

A

Yes.

Les oranges sont meilleures que les pamplemousses.

BUT

The comparative forms of “bon marché” and of “sentir bon” (to smell good) are invariable.

Les bananes sont meilleur marché que les citrons.
Cette soupe sent meilleur que l’autre.

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11
Q

The Comparative and the Superlative (le comparatif et le superlatif)
This morning I got up earlier than usual.

A

Ce matin, je me suis levé plus tôt que d’habitude.

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12
Q

The Comparative and the Superlative (le comparatif et le superlatif)
Anne is worse at English than her brother.

A

Anne est moins bonne en anglais que son frère.

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13
Q

The Comparative and the Superlative (le comparatif et le superlatif)
What are the comparatives of the adjective “mauvais”?

A

The adjective “mauvais” has both a regular and irregular comparative of superiority, “plus mauvais” and “pire”. Both are generally interchangeable, but “plus mauvais” tends to be used to describe a bad quality or deficiency, while “pire” tends to have the meaning of “even worse”, or express a moral judgement.

Ce café est plus mauvais que celui que j’ai acheté hier.
Le café est pire pour la santé que le thé.

The other comparatives of "mauvais" are regular.
moins mauvais(e)(s) que
aussi mauvais(e)(s) que
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14
Q

The Comparative and the Superlative (le comparatif et le superlatif)
Monique is mean, but her sister is worse.

A

Monique est méchante, mais sa soeur est pire.

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15
Q

The Comparative and the Superlative (le comparatif et le superlatif)
What are the comparatives of the adjective “petit”?

A

The adjective “petit” has both a regular and an irregular comparative of superiority, “plus petit” and “moindre”. “Plus petit” refers to size, “moindre” refers to significance or amount.

Notre maison est plus petite que la vôtre.
C’est un produit de moindre qualité.

The other comparatives of "petit"are regular:
moins petit(e)(s) que
aussi petit(e)(s) que
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16
Q

The Comparative and the Superlative (le comparatif et le superlatif)
These are details of lesser importance.

A

Ce sont des détails de moindre importance.

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17
Q

The Comparative and the Superlative (le comparatif et le superlatif)
There is no one as deaf as he who will not hear.

A

Il n’est pire sourd que celui qui ne veut pas entendre.

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18
Q

The Comparative and the Superlative (le comparatif et le superlatif)
Still water run deep.

A

Il n’est pas pire eau que l’eau qui dort.

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19
Q

The Comparative and the Superlative (le comparatif et le superlatif)
Sometimes, the cure is worse than disease.

A

La remède est parfois pire que le mal.

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20
Q

The Comparative and the Superlative (le comparatif et le superlatif)
I just can’t help myself.

A

C’est plus fort que moi.

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21
Q

The Comparative and the Superlative (le comparatif et le superlatif)
to speak louder

A

parler plus fort

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22
Q 
The Comparative and the Superlative (le comparatif et le superlatif)
to raise (lower) the volume
A

mettre plus (moins) fort

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23
Q

The Comparative and the Superlative (le comparatif et le superlatif)
Turn down the radio!

A

Mettez la radio moins fort!

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24
Q

The Comparative and the Superlative (le comparatif et le superlatif)
It’s easier said than done.

A

C’est plus facile à dire qu’à faire.

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25
Q

The Comparative and the Superlative (le comparatif et le superlatif)
The weather is better today.

A

Il fait meilleur aujourd’hui.

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26
Q

The Comparative and the Superlative (le comparatif et le superlatif)
to taste better

A

avoir meilleur goût

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27
Q

The Comparative and the Superlative (le comparatif et le superlatif)
There are worse things.

A

Il y a pire.

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28
Q

The Comparative and the Superlative (le comparatif et le superlatif)
That’s even worse!

A

C’est (encore) pire!

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29
Q

The Comparative and the Superlative (le comparatif et le superlatif)
at lower cost, for less money

A

à moindre frais

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30
Q

The Comparative and the Superlative (le comparatif et le superlatif)
to a lesser extent

A

dans une moindre mesure

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31
Q

The Comparative and the Superlative (le comparatif et le superlatif)
of lesser value

A

de moindre valeur

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32
Q

The Comparative and the Superlative (le comparatif et le superlatif)
How is the comparative of adverbs expressed in French?

A

Adverbs are comparative like adjectives.

  1. Superiority
    plus+adverb+que

Il conduit plus prudemment que moi.

  1. Inferiority
    moins+adverb+que

Tu joues moins bien au golf que lui.

  1. Equality
    aussi+adverb+que

Il parle aussi lentement que son père.

If the comparison has no second element, “que” is not used.

Il fume moins souvent maintenant.

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33
Q

The Comparative and the Superlative (le comparatif et le superlatif)
I run faster than you do.

A

Je cours plus vite que toi.

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34
Q

The Comparative and the Superlative (le comparatif et le superlatif)
I don’t (want to) keep you any longer.

A

Je ne vous retiens pas plus longtemps.

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35
Q

The Comparative and the Superlative (le comparatif et le superlatif)
What are the comparatives of the adverb “mieux”?

A

The adverb “mieux” has an irregular comparative of superiority, “mieux”.

Elle parle mieux le français que toi.

The other comparatives of “bien” are regular:

moins bien que
aussi bien que

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36
Q

The Comparative and the Superlative (le comparatif et le superlatif)
I am feeleing better than yesterday.

A

Je me sens mieux qu’hier.

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37
Q

The Comparative and the Superlative (le comparatif et le superlatif)
Better late than never.

A

Mieux vaut tard que jamais.

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38
Q

The Comparative and the Superlative (le comparatif et le superlatif)
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

A

Mieux vaut prévenir que guérir.

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39
Q

The Comparative and the Superlative (le comparatif et le superlatif)
A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.

A

Un tiens vaut mieux que deux tu l’auras.

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40
Q

The Comparative and the Superlative (le comparatif et le superlatif)
Leave well enough alone.

A

Le mieux est l’ennemi bien.

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41
Q

The Comparative and the Superlative (le comparatif et le superlatif)
see you later

A

à plus tard

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42
Q

The Comparative and the Superlative (le comparatif et le superlatif)
I am perfectly happy with this. This suits me perfectly.

A

Je ne demande pas mieux.

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43
Q

The Comparative and the Superlative (le comparatif et le superlatif)
Ther is nothing better.

A

Il n’y a rien de mieux.

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44
Q

The Comparative and the Superlative (le comparatif et le superlatif)
It’s as good as you’re going to get. (You will not find better.)

A

Tu ne trouveras pas mieux.

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45
Q

The Comparative and the Superlative (le comparatif et le superlatif)
it is better (to+inf. or +subordinate clause)

A

il vaut mieux (+inf. or +que+subjunctive)

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46
Q

The Comparative and the Superlative (le comparatif et le superlatif)
It is better to create envy than pity.

A

Il vaut mieux faire envie que pitié.

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47
Q

The Comparative and the Superlative (le comparatif et le superlatif)
I prefer to stay here. I’d rather stay here.

A

J’aime mieux rester ici.

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48
Q

The Comparative and the Superlative (le comparatif et le superlatif)
All the better, so much the better, good for you!

A

Tant mieux!

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49
Q

The Comparative and the Superlative (le comparatif et le superlatif)
…had better + inf.

A

faire (in the conditional) mieux de … + inf.

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50
Q

The Comparative and the Superlative (le comparatif et le superlatif)
He’d better leave.

A

Il ferait mieux de partir.

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51
Q

The Comparative and the Superlative (le comparatif et le superlatif)
That’s even better.

A

C’est encore mieux.

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52
Q

The Comparative and the Superlative (le comparatif et le superlatif)
to be more comforable

A

être mieux

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53
Q

The Comparative and the Superlative (le comparatif et le superlatif)
Sit on the couch, you will be more comfortable.

A

Asseyez-vous sur le canapé, vous serez mieux.

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54
Q

The Comparative and the Superlative (le comparatif et le superlatif)
for lack of sth better

A

faute de mieux

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55
Q

The Comparative and the Superlative (le comparatif et le superlatif)
There weren’t any roses left, so, for lack of something better, I took carnations.

A

Il n’y avait plus de roses, alors j’ai pris des oeillets, faute de mieux.

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56
Q

The Comparative and the Superlative (le comparatif et le superlatif)
What is the difference between “meilleur” and “mieux”?

A

“Meilleur” comes from “bon”. It is an adjective and modifies a noun or pronoun. Like all adjectives, it agreesin gender and number with the word it modifies.
f.e. La viande est meilleure que les légumes.

“Mieux” comes from “bien”. It is an adverb and modifies a conjugated verb or a past participle. Like all adverbs, it is invariable.
f.e. Ça sonne mieux. (That sounds better.)

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57
Q

The Comparative and the Superlative (le comparatif et le superlatif)
What is the difference between “plus mauvais (or: pire)” and “plus mal”?

A

“Plus mauvais” comes from “mauvais”. It is an adjective and modifies a noun or pronoun. Like all adjectives, it agrees in gender and number with the word it modifies.
f.e. Ce fromge est plus mauvais que l’autre.

“Plus mal” comes from “mal”. It is an adverb and modifies a verb. Like all adverbs, it is invariable.
f.e. Anne joue plus mal au tennis que son oncle.

There is also an irregular comparative form of “mal” - “pis” which in today’s French is only used in a few expressions.

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58
Q

The Comparative and the Superlative (le comparatif et le superlatif)
Too bad! That’s my (your, his, etc.) bad luck!

A

tant pis!

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59
Q

The Comparative and the Superlative (le comparatif et le superlatif)
to become worse, to go from bad to worse

A

aller de mal en pis

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60
Q

The Comparative and the Superlative (le comparatif et le superlatif)
Things are going from bad to worse!

A

Les choses vont de mal en pis.

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61
Q

The Comparative and the Superlative (le comparatif et le superlatif)
How is the comparative of nouns expressed in French?

A
  1. Superiority
    plus de + noun + que

Les écoliers français ont plus de vacances que les écoliers américains.

  1. Inferiority
    moins de + noun + que

Depuis l’an 2000, les Français ont moins d’heures de travail hebdomadaires que beaucoup d’autres.

  1. Equality
    autant de + noun + que

Elle a autant d’argent que moi.

If the comparison has no second element, “que” is not used.
J’écris beaucoup de rédactions, mais il éacrit plus de dissertations.

Between “plus, moins” or “autant” and the noun, “de” (“ d’ “ before a vowel or mute “h”) is always used, never “des”, even if the noun is plural.
J’ai autant d’enfants qu’elle.

“Plus de” before a noun can be replaced by “davantage de”.
davantage d’accidents (more accidents)

Idioms consiting of “verb+noun” (avoir peur, avoir faim, etc.) do not use “de” before the noun in a comparison.
Il a moins peur que toi.

“De” must be repeated before the noun which is the second element of the comparison if the it is also the object of the verb.
Il connaît plus de garçons que de filles.

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62
Q

The Comparative and the Superlative (le comparatif et le superlatif)
I take as many courses as she (does).

A

Je suis autant de cours qu’elle.

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63
Q

The Comparative and the Superlative (le comparatif et le superlatif)
How is the comparative of verbs expressed in French?

A
  1. Superiority
    verb+ plus+que
    Il travaille plus que moi.
  2. Inferiority
    verb+moins+que
    Nous gagnons moins que nos parents.
  3. Equality
    verb+autant+que
    Nous voyageons autant que nos enfants.

If he comparison has no second element, “que” is not used.
Ma fille lit peu, mais mon fils lit moins.

“Plus” after a verb can be replaced by “davantage”.
Il fume davantage quand il est nerveux.

If the verb is in a compound tense, “plus, moins” and “autant” can either be placed after the past participle or between the auxiliary and the past participle.
Il a autant souffert que nous.
or: Il a souffert autant que nous.

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64
Q

The Comparative and the Superlative (le comparatif et le superlatif)
He is as intelligent as his wife.

A

Il est aussi intelligent que sa femme.

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65
Q

The Comparative and the Superlative (le comparatif et le superlatif)
He drives as fast as his brother.

A

Il conduit aussi vite que son frère.

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66
Q

The Comparative and the Superlative (le comparatif et le superlatif)
He has as many worries as I (do).

A

Il a autant de soucis que moi.

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67
Q

The Comparative and the Superlative (le comparatif et le superlatif)
He speaks as much as she (does).

A

Il parle autant qu’elle.

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68
Q

The Comparative and the Superlative (le comparatif et le superlatif)I
If “aussi, plus, moins” refer to more than one adjective or adverb, are they repeated before each adjective or adverb?

A

Generally yes.

Elle est moins stressée et moins inquiète que toi.

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69
Q

The Comparative and the Superlative (le comparatif et le superlatif)
He does his work more rapidly and conscientiously than the others.

A

Il fait son travail plus rapidement et plus consciencieusement que les autres.

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70
Q

The Comparative and the Superlative (le comparatif et le superlatif)
What may become “aussi” and “autant” in a negative sentence.

A

In a negative sentence “aussi” may become “si”, “autant” may become “tant” (one has the choice).
Ce n’est pas si difficile que ça.
On n’est jamais si heureux ni si malheureux qu’on s’imagine.

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71
Q

The Comparative and the Superlative (le comparatif et le superlatif)
She has more patience than I (do).

A

Elle a plus de patience que moi.

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72
Q

The Comparative and the Superlative (le comparatif et le superlatif)
I like movies as much as he (does).

A

J’aime autant le cinéma que lui.

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73
Q

The Comparative and the Superlative (le comparatif et le superlatif)
How can the comparatives of superiority and inferiority be reinforced, to emphasize the difference bewteen two things or persons?

A

Most often by either “bien” or “beaucoup”.

Elle est bien plus douée pour les langues que moi.
Je me sens beaucoup mieux ce matin.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
74
Q

The Comparative and the Superlative (le comparatif et le superlatif)
They have many more clothes than we (do).

A

Ils beaucoup plus de vêtements que nous.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
75
Q

The Comparative and the Superlative (le comparatif et le superlatif)
In the past, there was a lot less pollution than today.

A

Autrefois, il y avait beaucoup moins de pollution qu’aujourd’hui.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
76
Q

The Comparative and the Superlative (le comparatif et le superlatif)
much later

A

bien plus tard

77
Q

The Comparative and the Superlative (le comparatif et le superlatif)
How can be reinforced “mieux?

A

“Mieux” can be reinforced by either “bien” or “beaucoup”.

78
Q

The Comparative and the Superlative (le comparatif et le superlatif)
How can be reinforced “meilleur”?

A

One uses “bien” only (not “beaucoup”) to emphasize “ meilleur”.

Une Mercedes est bien meilleure qu’une Volkswagen.

79
Q

The Comparative and the Superlative (le comparatif et le superlatif)
How can the comparative of equality be reinforced?

A

The comparative of equality can be reinforced by “tout”.

Elle tout aussi réservée que son mari.

80
Q

The Comparative and the Superlative (le comparatif et le superlatif)
That’s even worse.

A

C’est encore pire.

81
Q

The Comparative and the Superlative (le comparatif et le superlatif)
That’s even better.

A

C’est encore mieux.

82
Q

The Comparative and the Superlative (le comparatif et le superlatif)
She is even shyer than her husband.

A

Elle est encore plus timide que son mari.

83
Q

The Comparative and the Superlative (le comparatif et le superlatif)
She has even less jewelry than I (do).

A

Elle a encore moins de bijoux que moi.

84
Q

The Comparative and the Superlative (le comparatif et le superlatif)
He leads a healthier life.

A

Il mène une vie plus saine.

85
Q

The Comparative and the Superlative (le comparatif et le superlatif)
She is under forty.

A

Elle a moins de quarante ans.

86
Q

The Comparative and the Superlative (le comparatif et le superlatif)
We ate more than half the cake.

A

Nous avons mangé plus de la moitié du gâteau.

87
Q

The Comparative and the Superlative (le comparatif et le superlatif)
France has 20 millions inhabitants more than Spain.

A

La France a 20 millions d’habitants de plus que l’Espagne.

88
Q

The Comparative and the Superlative (le comparatif et le superlatif)
Joséphine was six years older than Napoleon.

A

Joséphine avait six ans de plus que Napoléon.

89
Q

The Comparative and the Superlative (le comparatif et le superlatif)
She earns 100 euros less per month than he (does).

A

Elle gagne 100 euros de moins que lui par mois.

90
Q

The Comparative and the Superlative (le comparatif et le superlatif)
What is “ne explétif” and when is it used?

A

If the second part of a comparison of inequality (i.e., of a comparative of superiority or inferiority) is clause rather than a noun, pronoun, adjective or adverb, the verb of this clause is preceded by “ne”, or by “ne le”. This “ne” is called “ne explétif” and has no negative value.

La situation est pire qu’on ne (le) croyait.

In comparisons of equality, only “le” or nothing is used.
Elle est aussi riche que je (le) croyais.

91
Q

The Comparative and the Superlative (le comparatif et le superlatif)
What are the rules of using the prepositions before infinitives if infinitives are compared?

A

If two infinitives are compared

  • and the first infinitive is preceded by “de” or “à”, the second infinitive is preceded by the same preposition.
    f. e. Ile est plus facile d’écrire le français que de le parler.
  • and there is no preposition before the first infinitive, the second infinitive is preceded by “de”
    f. e. J’aimerais mieux mourir que de vivre comme ça.
  • if only second part of the comparison is an infinitive, it is preceded by “de”
    Il n’y a rien de pire que de perdre un proche
92
Q

The Comparative and the Superlative (le comparatif et le superlatif)
He hesitates more to read than to write.

A

Il hésite plus à lire qu’à écrire.

93
Q

The Comparative and the Superlative (le comparatif et le superlatif)
He would rather call people than write to them.

A

Il préfère téléphoner aux gens plutôt que de leur écrire.

94
Q

The Comparative and the Superlative (le comparatif et le superlatif)
He drives twice as fast as I (do).

A

Il conduit deux fois plus vite que moi.

95
Q

The Comparative and the Superlative (le comparatif et le superlatif)
That’s half as expensive.

A

C’est moitié moins cher.

96
Q

The Comparative and the Superlative (le comparatif et le superlatif)
more and more, increasingly

A

de plus en plus

97
Q

The Comparative and the Superlative (le comparatif et le superlatif)
She suffers more and more.

A

Elle souffre de plus en plus.

98
Q

The Comparative and the Superlative (le comparatif et le superlatif)
less and less, fewer and fewer

A

de moins en mons

99
Q

The Comparative and the Superlative (le comparatif et le superlatif)
People are marrying less and less.

A

Les gens se marient de moins en moins.

100
Q

The Comparative and the Superlative (le comparatif et le superlatif)
He reacts less and less well.

A

Il réagit moins en moins bien.

101
Q

The Comparative and the Superlative (le comparatif et le superlatif)
She is less and less skillful.

A

Elle est de moins en moins habile.

102
Q

The Comparative and the Superlative (le comparatif et le superlatif)
By what are followed the expressions “de plus en plus” and “de moins en moins” when followed by a noun?

A

When followed by a noun, “de plus en plus” and “de moins en moins” are followed by “de” (except with fixed expressions such as “avoir peur, avoir faim, etc.”).
f.e. Il y a de plus en plus de chômage dans cette région.

103
Q

The Comparative and the Superlative (le comparatif et le superlatif)
More and more workers go on strike.

A

De plus en plus d’ouvriers font la grève.

104
Q

The Comparative and the Superlative (le comparatif et le superlatif)
I make fewer and fewer mistakes.

A

Je fais moins en moins de fautes.

105
Q

The Comparative and the Superlative (le comparatif et le superlatif)
The children are getting more and more hungry.

A

Les enfants ont de plus en plus faim.

106
Q

The Comparative and the Superlative (le comparatif et le superlatif)
We live longer and longer.

A

Nous vivons de plus en plus vieux.

107
Q

The Comparative and the Superlative (le comparatif et le superlatif)
Planes fly higher and higher.

A

Les avions volent de plus en plus haut.

108
Q

The Comparative and the Superlative (le comparatif et le superlatif)
better and better

A

de mieux en mieux

109
Q

The Comparative and the Superlative (le comparatif et le superlatif)
He behaves better and better.

A

Il se conduit de mieux en mieux.

110
Q

The Comparative and the Superlative (le comparatif et le superlatif)
more or less

A

plus ou moins

111
Q

The Comparative and the Superlative (le comparatif et le superlatif)
I sleep more or less well.

A

Je dors plus ou moins bien.

112
Q

The Comparative and the Superlative (le comparatif et le superlatif)
al the more…because ( since)

A

d’autant plus…que

113
Q

The Comparative and the Superlative (le comparatif et le superlatif)
I am all the more disappointed because he didn’t even call.

A

Je suis d’autant plus déçu qu’il n’a même pas téléphoné.

114
Q

The Comparative and the Superlative (le comparatif et le superlatif)
all the less…because (since)

A

d’autant moins…que

115
Q

The Comparative and the Superlative (le comparatif et le superlatif)
I am all the less pleased with this result since you had promised to make an effort.

A

Je suis d’autant moins content de ce résultat que tu avais promis de faire un effort.

116
Q

The Comparative and the Superlative (le comparatif et le superlatif)
moreover, what is more

A

de plus

117
Q

The Comparative and the Superlative (le comparatif et le superlatif)
He hadn’t put on his shoes; moreover, he didn’t wear a shirt.

A

Il n’avait pas mis ses chaussures; de plus, il ne portait pas de chemise.

118
Q

The Comparative and the Superlative (le comparatif et le superlatif)
the more…more

A

plus…plus

119
Q

The Comparative and the Superlative (le comparatif et le superlatif)
The more things change, the more they are the same.

A

Plus ça change, plus c’est la même chose.

120
Q

The Comparative and the Superlative (le comparatif et le superlatif)
The more the merrier.

A

Plus on est de fou, plus on rit.

121
Q

The Comparative and the Superlative (le comparatif et le superlatif)
The older one is, the harder it is to move around.

A

Plus on est âgé, plus c’est dur de se déplacer.

122
Q

The Comparative and the Superlative (le comparatif et le superlatif)
the more…the less

A

plus…moins

123
Q

The Comparative and the Superlative (le comparatif et le superlatif)
The more one gives to him, the less happy he is.

A

Plus on lui donne, moins il est content.

124
Q

The Comparative and the Superlative (le comparatif et le superlatif)
the more…the better

A

plus…mieux

125
Q

The Comparative and the Superlative (le comparatif et le superlatif)
The more vegetables one eats, the better it is for one’s health.

A

Plus on mange de légumes, mieux c’est pour la santé.

126
Q

The Comparative and the Superlative (le comparatif et le superlatif)
The easier it will be, the better.

A

Plus ce sera simple, mieux ce sera.

127
Q

The Comparative and the Superlative (le comparatif et le superlatif)
The more foreign languages one learns, the better.

A

Plus on apprend de langues étrangères, mieuc c’est.

128
Q

The Comparative and the Superlative (le comparatif et le superlatif)
the less…the less

A

moins…moins

129
Q

The Comparative and the Superlative (le comparatif et le superlatif)
The less you work, the less money you earn.

A

Moins vous travaillez, moins vous gagnez d’argent.

130
Q

The Comparative and the Superlative (le comparatif et le superlatif)
the less…the more

A

moins…plus

131
Q

The Comparative and the Superlative (le comparatif et le superlatif)
The less one saves, the more one spends.

A

Moins on économise, plus on dépense.

132
Q

The Comparative and the Superlative (le comparatif et le superlatif)
sooner or later

A

tôt ou tard

133
Q

The Comparative and the Superlative (le comparatif et le superlatif)
How is the superlative of adjectives formed?

A

The superlative of adjectives is formed by placing the definite article “le, la, les” before the comparative form. The definite article agrees in gender and number withe the noun that is being modified.

- superlative of superiority
le plus+adjective
la plus+adjective
les plus+adjective
Le Loire est le plus long fleuve de France.
- superlative of inferiority
le moins+adjective
la moins+adjective
les moins+adjective
Henri est l'étudiant le moins intelligent de l'école.
134
Q

The Comparative and the Superlative (le comparatif et le superlatif)
Where is the closest pharmacy?

A

Où est la pharmacie la plus proche?

135
Q

The Comparative and the Superlative (le comparatif et le superlatif)
our most sincere wishes

A

nos voeux les plus sincères

136
Q

The Comparative and the Superlative (le comparatif et le superlatif)
What is the superlative of superiority of the adjective “bon”?

A

The superlative of superiority of the adjective “bon” is irregular - “le meilleur”.

137
Q

The Comparative and the Superlative (le comparatif et le superlatif)
What is the superlative of superiority of the adjective “mauvais”?

A

The adjective “mauvais” has both regular and irregular form - “le plus mauvais” and “le pire”.

138
Q

The Comparative and the Superlative (le comparatif et le superlatif)
What is the superlative of superiority of the adjective “petit”?

A

The adjective “petit” has both a regular and irregular form - “le plus petit” (the smallest) and “le moindre” (the least, the slightest).

139
Q

The Comparative and the Superlative (le comparatif et le superlatif)
That is the best solution.

A

C’est la meilleure solution.

140
Q

The Comparative and the Superlative (le comparatif et le superlatif)
That is the worst coffee I ever drank.

A

C’est le plus muavais café que j’aie jamais bu.

141
Q

The Comparative and the Superlative (le comparatif et le superlatif)
They told us the worst lies.

A

Ils nous ont raconté les pires mensonges.

142
Q

The Comparative and the Superlative (le comparatif et le superlatif)
She bought the smallest car in the world.

A

Elle a acheté la plus petite voiture du monde.

143
Q

The Comparative and the Superlative (le comparatif et le superlatif)
I don’t have the slightest idea.

A

Je n’ai pas la moindre idée.

144
Q

The Comparative and the Superlative (le comparatif et le superlatif)
That is the least expensive car.

A

C’est la voiture la moins chère.

145
Q

The Comparative and the Superlative (le comparatif et le superlatif)
These are the least interesting books in the bookstore

A

Ce sont les livres les moins intéressants de la librairie.

146
Q

The Comparative and the Superlative (le comparatif et le superlatif)
What is the position of the superlative of adjectives in a sentence?

A

The position of the superlative in the sentence varies according to whether the adjective normally precedes or follows the noun.
- If the adjective normally follows the noun (as most French adjectives do), its superlative corm follows the noun as well. In this case, the article is used twice, once before the noun, once before the comparative form of the adjective.
f.e. L’Allemagne est le pays le plus peuplé d’Europe.
- If the adjective normally precedes the noun (such as “beau, bon, joli, mauvais, grand, petit, vieux, jeune, etc.), its superlative form is also placed before the noun. It can however be placed after the noun as well.
f.e. Le français est la plus belle langue.
or:
Le français est la langue la plus belle.

147
Q

The Comparative and the Superlative (le comparatif et le superlatif)
The tower of Dubai is the highest skyscraper in the World.

A

La Tour de Dubai est le plus haut gratte-ciel du monde.

148
Q

The Comparative and the Superlative (le comparatif et le superlatif)
New York city is the biggest city in the United States.

A

New York est la plus grande ville des États-Unis.

149
Q

The Comparative and the Superlative (le comparatif et le superlatif)
The airplane is the safest means of transportation.

A

L’avion est le moyen de transport le plus sûr.

150
Q

The Comparative and the Superlative (le comparatif et le superlatif)
She is my best friend.

A

C’est ma meilleure amie.

151
Q

The Comparative and the Superlative (le comparatif et le superlatif)
my best wishes

A

mes meilleurs voeux

152
Q

The Comparative and the Superlative (le comparatif et le superlatif)
That is my prettiest dress.

A

C’est ma plus jolie robe.

153
Q

The Comparative and the Superlative (le comparatif et le superlatif)
This is my most elegant dress.

A

C’est ma robe la plus chic.

154
Q

The Comparative and the Superlative (le comparatif et le superlatif)
They expect the worse.

A

Ils s’attendent au pire.

155
Q

The Comparative and the Superlative (le comparatif et le superlatif)
We fear the worst.

A

Nous avons peur du pire.

156
Q

The Comparative and the Superlative (le comparatif et le superlatif)
Of all these sweaters, that is the prettiest one.

A

De tous ces chandails, c’est le plus joli.

157
Q

The Comparative and the Superlative (le comparatif et le superlatif)
the second best performance

A

la deuxième meilleure performance

158
Q

The Comparative and the Superlative (le comparatif et le superlatif)
the third biggest demonstration

A

la troisième plus grande manifestation

159
Q

The Comparative and the Superlative (le comparatif et le superlatif)
Lyon is the second largest city in France.

A

Lyon est la deuxième ville en France.

160
Q

The Comparative and the Superlative (le comparatif et le superlatif)
He is by far the best teacher.

A

C’est de loin le meilleur professeur.

161
Q

The Comparative and the Superlative (le comparatif et le superlatif)
How is the superlative of adverbs formed?

A

The superlative of adverbs is formed by placing “le” before its comparative form.

  • superiority
    le plus + adverb
    f.e. Elle parle le plus vite de tous.
    The superlative of superiority of the adverb “bien” is irregular - “mieux”. The adverb “mal” has both a regular - “le plus mal” - and an irregular superlative of superiority - “le pis”. The irregular superlative of “mal” is rarely used.
    f.e Raymond chante bien, sof frère chante mieux, mais sa mère chante le mieux.
  • inferiority
    le moins + adverb
    f.e. Anne écoute le moins attentivement.

The superlatives of adverbs always use “le” (not “la” or “les”), even if the subject is feminine or plural. But if the superlative of an adverb modifies a past participle (used as adjectives) rather than a verb, “la” or “les” are used if the modified noun is feminine or plural.
f.e. C’est la personne la mieux habillée.

162
Q

The Comparative and the Superlative (le comparatif et le superlatif)
How is the superlative of a noun formed?

A

The superlative of a noun is formed by placing “le” before its comparative form.

  • superiority
    le plus + noun
    f.e. Il a le plus d’enfants.
  • inferiority
    le moins + noun
    f.e. Elle a le moins d’argent.

“Le” (before “plus” or “moins”) never changes, even if a feminine or plural noun follows.
f.e. Les éscoliers français ont le plus de vacances.
In the superlative (as in the comparative), the plural noun is always preceded by “de”, never “des”.
f.e. En février, il y a le moins de touristes.

163
Q

The Comparative and the Superlative (le comparatif et le superlatif)
How is the superlative of verbs formed?

A
  • superiority
    verb + le plus
    f.e. Il boit le plus.
  • inferiority
    verb + le moins
    f.e. Elle travaille le moins.
164
Q

The Comparative and the Superlative (le comparatif et le superlatif)
Might makes right.

A

C’est la loi du plus fort.

165
Q

The Comparative and the Superlative (le comparatif et le superlatif)
Who can do difficult things can easily do less difficult things.

A

Qui peut le plus peut le moins.

166
Q

The Comparative and the Superlative (le comparatif et le superlatif)
not in the least

A

pas le moins du monde

167
Q

The Comparative and the Superlative (le comparatif et le superlatif)
It’s the least I (you, he, she…) can / could do.

A

C’est la moindre des choses.

168
Q

The Comparative and the Superlative (le comparatif et le superlatif)
…and an important one (important ones) at that

A

…et non des moindres

169
Q

The Comparative and the Superlative (le comparatif et le superlatif)
We celebrate a birthday and an important one at that.

A

Nous fêtons un anniversaire et non des moindres.

170
Q

The Comparative and the Superlative (le comparatif et le superlatif)
It’s a matter of choosing a lesser of two evils.

A

Entre deux maux il faut choisir le moindre.

171
Q

The Comparative and the Superlative (le comparatif et le superlatif)
down to the slightest details

A

jusque dans les moindres détails

172
Q

The Comparative and the Superlative (le comparatif et le superlatif)
That’s the least of my worries.

A

C’est le moindre de mes soucis.

173
Q

The Comparative and the Superlative (le comparatif et le superlatif)
It’s always the baker’s children who have no bread.

A

Les cordonniers sont toujours les plus mal chaussés.

174
Q

The Comparative and the Superlative (le comparatif et le superlatif)
for better or for worse

A

pour le meilleur et pour le pire

175
Q

The Comparative and the Superlative (le comparatif et le superlatif)
That’s the least of it. I could go on and on.

A

J’en passe et des meilleurs. (after enumeration)

176
Q

The Comparative and the Superlative (le comparatif et le superlatif)
at the earliest

A

au plus tôt

177
Q

The Comparative and the Superlative (le comparatif et le superlatif)
at the latest

A

au plus tard

178
Q

The Comparative and the Superlative (le comparatif et le superlatif)
at best

A

au mieux

179
Q

The Comparative and the Superlative (le comparatif et le superlatif)
at (the very) worst, if worse comes to worst

A

au pire

180
Q

The Comparative and the Superlative (le comparatif et le superlatif)
That’s the best there is.

A

C’est ce qu’il y a de mieux.

181
Q

The Comparative and the Superlative (le comparatif et le superlatif)
to do one’s best

A

faire de son mieux

182
Q

The Comparative and the Superlative (le comparatif et le superlatif)
I always do my best.

A

Je fais toujours de mon mieux.

183
Q

The Comparative and the Superlative (le comparatif et le superlatif)
The worst is yet to come.

A

Le pire est à venir.

184
Q

The Comparative and the Superlative (le comparatif et le superlatif)
The worst is over.

A

Le pire est passé.

185
Q

The Comparative and the Superlative (le comparatif et le superlatif)
to expect the worst

A

s’attendre au pire

186
Q

The Comparative and the Superlative (le comparatif et le superlatif)
I fear the worst.

A

Je crains (redoute) le pire.

187
Q

The Comparative and the Superlative (le comparatif et le superlatif)
to say the least

A

C’est le moins qu’on puisse dire.

188
Q

The Comparative and the Superlative (le comparatif et le superlatif)
the sooner the better

A

le plus tôt sera le mieux

189
Q

The Comparative and the Superlative (le comparatif et le superlatif)
as quckly as possible

A

le plus vite possible

le plus tôt possible

190
Q

The Comparative and the Superlative (le comparatif et le superlatif)
as little as possible

A

le moins possible

191
Q

The Comparative and the Superlative (le comparatif et le superlatif)
as much as possible

A

le plus possible

Francais (31 decks)

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