How to Use Comparative Adverbs in French

Learning to compare things in French is essential for effective communication. Comparative adverbs allow you to express superiority, inferiority, and equality. Let's break down how to use these powerful linguistic tools.

Types of Comparisons in French

French uses three main types of comparisons:

1. Superiority: "more" or "-er" (plus ___)
2. Inferiority: "less" (moins ___)
3. Equality: "as" (aussi ___ or autant ___)

Comparing Adjectives

When comparing adjectives, simply place "plus", "moins", or "aussi" before the adjective.

Comparing Two Nouns with One Adjective

• Cette maison est plus grande. (This house is bigger.)
• Son chat est moins agile. (His cat is less agile.)
• Mes enfants sont aussi intelligents. (My children are just as intelligent.)

When there's no antecedent, use "que" after the adjective:

• Cette maison est plus grande que la tienne. (This house is bigger than yours.)
• Son chat est moins agile que le mien. (His cat is less agile than mine.)
• Mes enfants sont aussi intelligents que les vôtres. (My children are as intelligent as yours.)

Comparing Two Adjectives for One Noun

• Elle est aussi belle qu'intelligente. (She's as beautiful as she is intelligent.)
• Il est plus patient que ponctuel. (He's more patient than punctual.)

Comparing an Adjective Over Time

• Je suis moins stressé qu'avant. (I'm less stressed than before.)
• Elle est plus confiante que jamais. (She's more confident than ever.)

Comparing Adverbs

Adverb comparisons follow similar patterns but don't require agreement.

Comparing Two Nouns with One Adverb

• Il mange plus rapidement que moi. (He eats more quickly than I do.)
• Elle parle moins fort que son frère. (She speaks less loudly than her brother.)
• Tu travailles aussi efficacement que lui. (You work as efficiently as he does.)

Comparing Two Adverbs for One Subject

• Il conduit plus prudemment que rapidement. (He drives more carefully than quickly.)
• Elle chante aussi doucement que mélodieusement. (She sings as softly as melodiously.)

Comparing an Adverb Over Time

• Je dors moins profondément qu'autrefois. (I sleep less deeply than before.)
• Il joue plus habilement qu'hier. (He plays more skillfully than yesterday.)

Comparing Nouns

When comparing noun quantities, use these forms:

• Superiority: plus de
• Inferiority: moins de
• Equality: autant de

Examples of Noun Comparisons

• J'ai plus de temps libre que toi. (I have more free time than you.)
• Il y a moins d'étudiants que de professeurs. (There are fewer students than teachers.)
• Nous avons autant de questions que de réponses. (We have as many questions as answers.)

Comparing Verbs

For verb comparisons, use these forms:

• Superiority: plus que
• Inferiority: moins que
• Equality: autant que

Examples of Verb Comparisons

• Je lis plus que je ne regarde la télévision. (I read more than I watch TV.)
• Il dort moins qu'il ne travaille. (He sleeps less than he works.)
• Nous mangeons autant que nous bougeons. (We eat as much as we move.)

Practical Tips for Using Comparatives

1. Always repeat "de" before each noun in multiple comparisons.
2. Use "ne explétif" with "plus" and "moins" in verb comparisons.
3. Add "encore" for emphasis: "Il est encore plus grand." (He's even taller.)

Conclusion

Mastering French comparative adverbs enhances your ability to express nuanced comparisons. Practice these structures to communicate more effectively in French.