Comparing Nouns vs. Adjectives: plus de vs. plus
Comparing Nouns vs. Adjectives: plus de vs. plus
Two structures look almost identical but do different jobs — plus de counts a noun, while plus alone intensifies an adjective or adverb. Mixing them up is one of the most common A2 slip-ups, especially since English 'more' covers both cases with a single word.
Grammar Comparison
Grammar Comparison
plus de + noun = 'more [noun]' (quantity)
J'ai plus de temps. (I have more time.)
I have more time.
When comparing an amount of something — a noun — use plus de (or moins de, autant de) directly before the noun, with no que required unless you're comparing it to something specific (plus de temps que toi, 'more time than you'). This is the same de that shows up in the partitive articles you learned earlier.
plus + adjective/adverb = 'more [quality]' (degree)
Il est plus intelligent. (He is more intelligent.)
He is more intelligent.
When comparing a quality or manner — an adjective or adverb — use plus (or moins, aussi) directly before that word, with no de. Mixing the two up (plus de intelligent, or plus temps) is a very natural mistake since English 'more' covers both cases with one word; French requires you to first ask 'am I comparing a noun or a quality?' — a distinction English speakers never have to make consciously.
Vocabulary
Vocabulary
| French | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| plus de temps | plew duh tahn | more time |
| plus intelligent | plewz an-tay-lee-ZHAHN | more intelligent |
| moins d'argent | mwahn dar-ZHAHN | less money |
| moins cher | mwahn shair | less expensive |
| autant de livres | oh-TAHN duh LEE-vruh | as many books |
| aussi facilement | oh-see fah-seel-MAHN | as easily |
| plus de gens | plew duh zhahn | more people |
| plus rapidement | plew rah-peed-MAHN | more quickly |