Exclamations

The most common exclamatory phrases begin with que, qu’, or comme, and they often cause inversion or emphatic word order. Short exclamations use interjections like oh or ah followed by a modifying phrase.

Starting with que plus a noun, adjective, or clause turns attention sharply to the quality being praised, blamed, or marveled at. The sentence that follows can be normal or inverted for extra drama.

Comme highlights how much something has a certain quality, and it usually precedes a noun or an adjective phrase. It feels more immediate and sensory than que in some contexts.

Quick reactions use interjections like oh, ah, or mince followed by a brief phrase, sometimes with an adjective or a small clause. These are common in speech and add color to dialogue.

In formal or literary exclamations, inversion of the verb and subject after que can heighten the effect. This construction sounds elevated and is less common in everyday talk.

Adjectives can be fronted when paired with que or comme to spotlight a striking quality. The adjective agrees with the noun when one is implied or stated.

Phrases that exclaim about amount or duration often use que or comme plus a measure or expression. These highlight scale and can turn a simple fact into a dramatic point.

Adding ne explétif or placing pas can change the tone to ironic or disappointing. Certain verbs trigger the optional ne to preserve a formal or literary flavor.

Exclamations channel strong feeling through set phrases, word order, and sometimes inversion. Practicing them aloud helps capture the right tone between everyday speech and elevated style.