CONTENT
We have already learned the basics of using the partitive articles in this grammar point. Now, let's tackle some important exceptions.
French
English
Il ne boit pas de café.
He doesn't drink coffee.
Partitive Articles and Negation
Rule 1: In negative expressions, we do not use the partitive articles (du, de la, des). Instead, the preposition de (or d’ before vowels and h muet) is used.
French
English
Il mange de la viande.
He does eat meat.
vs.
French
English
Il ne mange pas de viande.
He doesn’t eat meat.
Partitive Articles and Preposition Sans
Rule 2: We do not use the partitive articles (du, de la, des) with the preposition sans. The noun follows this preposition directly.
French
English
Il mange son pain avec de la confiture, mais sans beure.
He eats his bread with jam, but without butter.
Partitive Articles and Quantity
Rule 3: After precise quantities, the partitive articles (du, de la, des) are not used. Expressions of quantity are always followed by the preposition de (or d’ before vowels and h muet).
French
English
Il boit du vin.
He drinks wine.
But:
French
English
Un litre de vin.
A liter of wine.
Une bouteille d’eau.
A bottle of water.
Beaucoup de chocolat.
Lots of chocolate.
Quiz
1/3
Il ne boit pas _ jus.
0
correct answers.