Comparative adjectives in French are used to compare two people, things, or groups. They express whether something is more, less, or equally something else. Unlike English, where comparatives are often formed by adding “-er” or using “more/less,” French uses specific adverbs (plus, moins, aussi) plus the adjective.
Formation
Comparative adjectives in French are formed using three main structures:
- More … than: plus + adjective + que
- Less … than: moins + adjective + que
- As … as: aussi + adjective + que
Examples of Root Adjectives
| Adjective (French) | English Meaning |
|---|---|
| grand | big / tall |
| petit | small / short |
| rapide | fast |
| intelligent | intelligent |
| cher | expensive |
Examples
- Marie est plus intelligente que Paul. (Marie is more intelligent than Paul.)
- Ce vélo est moins cher que la voiture. (This bike is less expensive than the car.)
- Mon frère est aussi grand que ma sœur. (My brother is as tall as my sister.)
Formation Rules
- Use plus for more, moins for less, and aussi for equal.
- Keep the adjective in its normal form (agreeing with the noun).
- Always follow the pattern: adverb + adjective + que.
- Pronouns or nouns after que can be omitted if understood.
What is the correct order of parts in a French comparative adjective phrase?
adverb + adjective + que
The pattern is fixed: the adverb (plus, moins, aussi) comes first, followed by the adjective, then the word 'que'.
Irregular Comparative Adjectives
Some adjectives have irregular comparative forms. Here are a few common ones:
| Positive Form | Comparative Form | English Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| bon(ne) | meilleur(e) que | better than |
| mauvais(e) | pire / plus mauvais(e) que | worse than |
| petit(e) | plus petit(e) que | smaller / younger than |
| grand(e) | plus grand(e) que | bigger / older than |
Examples
- Ce gâteau est meilleur que celui d'hier. (This cake is better than yesterday’s.)
- Son attitude est pire que la semaine dernière. (His attitude is worse than last week’s.)
How do you compare verbs in French?
Use verb + plus que / moins que / autant que
For verb comparison, place 'plus que', 'moins que', or 'autant que' directly after the verb.
Comparison with Nouns and Verbs
When comparing nouns, use plus de, moins de, or autant de (not plus, moins, aussi alone).
Examples
- Il a plus de livres que toi. (He has more books than you.)
- Nous avons autant de devoirs que eux. (We have as much homework as they do.)
- Elle a moins de patience que moi. (She has less patience than I do.)
When comparing verbs, use plus que, moins que, or autant que directly after the verb.
How do you compare verbs in French?
Use verb + plus que / moins que / autant que
For verb comparison, place 'plus que', 'moins que', or 'autant que' directly after the verb.
Examples
- Je travaille plus que toi. (I work more than you.)
- Tu chantes moins que ton frère. (You sing less than your brother.)
- Nous étudions autant que eux. (We study as much as they do.)
How do you compare verbs in French?
Use verb + plus que / moins que / autant que
For verb comparison, place 'plus que', 'moins que', or 'autant que' directly after the verb.
Special Notes on Equality (aussi … que)
- The adjective always agrees in gender and number with the noun.
- Even when comparing pronouns or subjects, the adjective stays in the form matching the first noun.
Examples
- Elle est aussi rapide que lui. (She is as fast as he is.)
- Ils sont aussi forts que nous. (They are as strong as we are.)
How do you compare verbs in French?
Use verb + plus que / moins que / autant que
For verb comparison, place 'plus que', 'moins que', or 'autant que' directly after the verb.
Summary
- Use plus … que for more (superiority).
- Use moins … que for less (inferiority).
- Use aussi … que for equality.
- Irregular forms: meilleur(e), pire.
- Use plus de, moins de, autant de for nouns.
- Use plus que, moins que, autant que for verbs.
How do you compare action verbs by frequency or intensity in French?
Use verb + plus que / moins que / autant que
Place 'plus que', 'moins que', or 'autant que' immediately after the verb for comparison.
Flashcards (1 of 9)
- English Meaning: big / tall
Last updated: Wed Jun 18, 2025
