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.
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.
O, Canada
Ton histoire est une épopée des plus brillants exploits
Canada’s national anthem in its original form. A good deal less bloody than la Marseillaise, and much easier to sing than O Say, Can You See.
