Advanced French Comparative Constructions: Beyond "Plus Que" and "Moins Que"
French comparisons at an advanced level go far beyond the basic "plus que" and "moins que" constructions. For C2 learners, mastering nuanced and idiomatic comparative expressions is crucial for achieving native-like fluency.
Sophisticated Equality Comparisons
"Aussi... que" with a twist
While "aussi... que" is commonly used for equality, advanced speakers might employ variations:
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"Tout aussi... que": Emphasizes the equality. Example: "Ce roman est tout aussi captivant que le précédent." (This novel is every bit as captivating as the previous one.)
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"Pour le moins aussi... que": Suggests a minimum level of comparison. Example: "Son dernier discours était pour le moins aussi éloquent que celui de son adversaire." (His latest speech was at least as eloquent as that of his opponent.)
Idiomatic Comparisons
Using "Comme"
"Comme" can create vivid comparisons:
- "Travailler comme un forcené": To work like a maniac
- "Dormir comme une souche": To sleep like a log
Literary and Poetic Comparisons
For a touch of elegance:
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"Tel... tel": Such... such Example: "Telle mère, telle fille." (Like mother, like daughter.)
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"Autant... autant": As much... as much Example: "Autant il est brillant en mathématiques, autant il peine en littérature." (As much as he's brilliant in mathematics, he struggles in literature.)
Comparative Subordinate Clauses
"D'autant plus... que"
This structure intensifies the comparison:
Example: "Le projet est d'autant plus ambitieux qu'il dispose de peu de ressources." (The project is all the more ambitious as it has few resources.)
"À mesure que"
Indicates a progressive comparison:
Example: "À mesure que la nuit tombait, le paysage devenait plus mystérieux." (As night fell, the landscape became more mysterious.)
Conclusion
Mastering these advanced comparative structures will significantly enhance your French expression, allowing for more precise and eloquent communication. Practice incorporating these forms into your everyday French to achieve a truly sophisticated level of language use.