Prepositions of comparison are essential in expressing comparisons between different objects, people, or concepts in French. These prepositions allow us to highlight similarities, differences, and degrees of comparison. In this introduction, we will explore the main prepositions of comparison in French, their usage, and provide example sentences to illustrate their meaning and usage.
Plus que (More than)
The preposition “plus que” is used to express a comparison indicating that one thing or person has more of a certain quality or quantity than another. It is composed of the word “plus” meaning “more” and the conjunction “que” meaning “than.” Here are a few examples:
Il est plus grand que moi. (He is taller than me.)
J’ai plus d’argent que toi. (I have more money than you.)
Cette voiture est plus rapide que l’autre. (This car is faster than the other one.)
Moins que (Less than)
The preposition “moins que” is used to indicate a comparison in which one thing or person has less of a quality or quantity than another. It consists of the word “moins” meaning “less” and the conjunction “que.” Here are some examples:
Il parle moins que moi. (He speaks less than me.)
J’ai moins de temps que toi. (I have less time than you.)
Ce film est moins intéressant que l’autre. (This movie is less interesting than the other one.)
Aussi que (As… as)
The preposition “aussi que” is used to express a comparison of equality, indicating that two things or people have the same degree of a certain quality or quantity. “Aussi” means “as” or “equally” in English. Let’s look at some examples:
Il est aussi grand que moi. (He is as tall as me.)
J’ai autant d’argent que toi. (I have as much money as you.)
Ce livre est aussi intéressant que l’autre. (This book is as interesting as the other one.)
Autant que (As much as)
The preposition “autant que” is similar to “aussi que” and is used to express a comparison of equality, emphasizing the amount or quantity of something. It can be translated as “as much as” in English. Consider the following examples:
Je travaille autant que toi. (I work as much as you.)
J’ai autant de temps que toi. (I have as much time as you.)
Cette ville a autant de monuments que Paris. (This city has as many monuments as Paris.)
Meilleur que (Better than)
The preposition “meilleur que” is used to compare two things or people, indicating that one is superior or better than the other. “Meilleur” means “better” in English. Here are a few examples:
Ce restaurant est meilleur que celui-ci. (This restaurant is better than this one.)
Il est meilleur joueur que moi. (He is a better player than me.)
Cette méthode est meilleure que l’ancienne. (This method is better than the old one.)
Pire que (Worse than)
The preposition “pire que” is used to express a comparison where one thing or person is worse than another. “Pire” means “worse” in English. Let’s see some examples:
Cette situation est pire que je ne le pensais. (This situation is worse than I thought.)
Il est un pire conducteur que moi. (He is a worse driver than me.)
Cette maladie est pire que la précédente. (This illness is worse than the previous one.)
Aussi bien que (As good as)
The preposition “aussi bien que” is used to indicate that two things or people are equally good. “Aussi bien” means “as good” in English. Consider the following examples:
Il joue aussi bien que moi. (He plays as well as me.)
Elle cuisine aussi bien que sa mère. (She cooks as well as her mother.)
Ce film est aussi bien que celui-là. (This movie is as good as that one.)
These are some of the main prepositions of comparison in French. By using these prepositions, you can effectively express comparisons between different objects, people, or concepts. It is essential to practice using these prepositions in various contexts to become familiar with their correct usage.
Remember that French prepositions of comparison are formed by combining different words to express specific meanings. By understanding their individual components and practicing their usage through example sentences, you can gradually master the art of comparing things in French.
Originally posted 2023-07-14 16:00:46.