quant à
The French expression quant à means as for, regarding, or with regard to. It is used to introduce a change of subject or to contrast one topic with another. It is followed by a noun or pronoun and does not change form. It always introduces a subordinate element and is not used as the subject of a sentence.
Quant à is often used to mark a distinction between people, things, or points of view, especially when introducing a new angle in a sentence.
Basic meaning: “as for”, “regarding”, “with regard to”
Quant à introduces a topic or subject that is being discussed or compared. It is often used to shift focus or make a contrast.
- Quant à moi, je préfère rester ici.
As for me, I prefer to stay here. - Quant à lui, il ne dit jamais rien.
As for him, he never says anything. - Quant aux résultats, ils seront publiés demain.
As for the results, they will be published tomorrow. - Quant à votre demande, elle sera examinée en détail.
Regarding your request, it will be examined in detail. - Quant à savoir s’il viendra, personne ne peut le dire.
As for whether he’ll come, no one can say.
Use quant à to:
- introduce contrast between people or topics
- change the subject of discussion within the same sentence or paragraph
- express a personal opinion distinct from others
Usage with definite articles
When quant à is followed by a definite article, the preposition contracts with it, just like à or de.
- Quant à + le → quant au
Quant au projet, il a été annulé.
As for the project, it was cancelled. - Quant à + la → quant à la
Quant à la réunion, elle commence à 10 heures.
As for the meeting, it starts at 10 a.m. - Quant à + les → quant aux
Quant aux invités, ils arriveront plus tard.
As for the guests, they will arrive later.
There is no contraction with names or pronouns:
- Quant à Sophie, elle n’est pas au courant.
As for Sophie, she is not aware. - Quant à moi, je suis déjà prêt.
As for me, I am already ready.
Formal or literary register
Quant à is mostly used in formal, written, or structured speech. In casual spoken French, simpler alternatives like pour ce qui est de or en ce qui concerne may also be used, though quant à is still common and well understood.
- En ce qui concerne le budget, il sera revu.
Regarding the budget, it will be revised. - Pour ce qui est du délai, il reste inchangé.
As for the deadline, it remains unchanged.
These can sometimes replace quant à with no major change in meaning, though quant à is often more concise.
Not followed by a verb directly
Quant à must be followed by a noun, pronoun, or phrase acting as a noun. It is never directly followed by a conjugated verb unless introduced by a subordinating expression such as savoir si or le fait que.
Correct:
- Quant à savoir s’il viendra…
As for whether he’ll come…
Incorrect:
- Quant vient-il… ✗
Summary
- Quant à means as for, regarding, or with regard to.
- It introduces a change of subject or contrast between topics.
- It is followed by a noun or pronoun, never directly by a conjugated verb.
- It often appears in formal or written French.
- Contractions: quant au, quant à la, quant aux.
