Partitive Articles Explained on the Basis of Definite Articles
One Weird Usage Begets Another
French partitive and definitive articles are explained in terms of set theory. Also, a theory regarding the reduction of the partitive article to “de” in certain circumstances is presented.
Tout sur tout (All About Tout)
Expressions Using the Word Tout
Various uses of the indefinite French word “tout,” as adjective, pronoun, and adverb, together with a list of common expressions.
Ne…que and What You Can Do With It
Ins and outs of the French construction “ne…que,” or “the ‘que’ that excludes from negation.
Reduction of the Partitive Article
du, de la, de l’, des → de, d’
The four cases in which the partitive article gets “reduced” (i.e., from its full form to a simple “de”): after a negative adverb, after a quantitative expression, with a preceding plural adjective, and in compléments prépositionnels.
Auprès de ma blonde
Il est dans la Hollande, Les Hollandais l'ont pris
A delightful song celebrating marital fidelity, whilst obliquely commemorating Louis XIV’s bloody campaign to extend France’s northern boundary.
