Partitive article – article partitif
Let's Define It!
What's a *partitive article*?
Partitive articles (les articles partitifs in French) are the equivalent of some, any, (or omitted) in English.
In French they are du, de la, de l' annd are used to represent an indetermined part or portion of a category or group.
We use les articles partitifs before uncountable nouns. "Je veux du sel dans cette soupe." I want some salt in this soup.
When in a negative sentence, partitive articles switch to de. "Je ne veux pas de sel dans cette soupe." I don't want any salt in this soup.
Please note that like any French article, partitive articles agree in gender and number with the noun they precede.
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Let's Pronounce It!
What does it sound like in French?
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Let's Have an Example or Two!
Can a little reinforcement do the trick?
Let's look at a few French sentences containing partitive articles:
- Veux-tu du poivre? Do you want any pepper?
- Je n'ai pas mangé de beurre hier. I did not eat any butter yesterday.
- Elle achète du lait chaque semaine au petit marché. She buys (some) milk at the little market every week.
- Vous buvez de l'eau quand vous avez soif. You drink water when you are thirsty.
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