more than
The English phrase “more than” is commonly used for comparisons, but translating it into French requires attention to context. Specifically, the translation changes depending on whether “more than” is followed by a person or a countable noun.
1. “More than” + a Countable Noun
When “more than” is followed by a countable noun, or a number and a noun (e.g., “more than three apples” or “more than 10 people”), the phrase is translated as:
- Plus de + noun
Examples:
- Il y a plus de trois pommes sur la table.
(There are more than three apples on the table.) - Nous avons invité plus de dix personnes.
(We invited more than ten people.) - Il a plus de 20 ans.
(He is more than 20 years old.) - Elle a gagné plus de 100 euros.
(She earned more than 100 euros.)
2. “More than” + a Person
When “more than” is followed by a person (e.g., “I love you more than him” or “He works harder than me”), the comparison involves que instead of de.
- Plus que + person
Examples:
- Je t’aime plus que lui.
(I love you more than him.) - Il travaille plus que moi.
(He works more than me.)
3. Key Difference: “de” vs. “que”
The key difference lies in what follows “more than”:
| English Phrase | French Translation | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| More than + countable noun | Plus de + noun | Use de before nouns, even if plural. |
| More than + person | Plus que + person | Use que for comparisons involving people or pronouns. |
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Confusing “de” and “que”
- Incorrect: Je t’aime plus de lui.
(Incorrect mix of “de” for a person.) - Correct: Je t’aime plus que lui.
(Use “que” for people.)
- Adding unnecessary articles
- Incorrect: Il y a plus des pommes.
(The “de” does not combine with “les.” If you want to say “more of the apples,” you would say “la plupart des pommes”) - Correct: Il y a plus de pommes.
(Keep it simple with “plus de.”)
Quick Summary
- Use plus de for “more than” before nouns or numbers.
- Use plus que for “more than” before people or pronouns.
