French Grammar for Beginners (A2) "Compare objects": Use of comparative forms "plus, aussi / autant, moins ... que ..."

The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (C.E.F.R.) define a beginner learner as a "basic user". As a beginner - A2 level - the CEFR specify that a basic user "can communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar and routine matters". He/She "can describe in simple terms aspects of his/her background, immediate environment and matters in areas of immediate need".
As the speaking production skills as concerned, it is said that a basic user "can use some simple structures correctly, but still systematically makes basic mistakes".

This is why this post is dedicated to beginners in French, I give you useful tools to help you compare objects ("comparer des objets"). 

To compare objects, you have to use comparative forms: "plus, aussi / autant, moins ... que …" in French ("more, as, less … than/as …" in English).
There are four comparatives forms in French: of adjectives, nouns, verbs, adverbs.
As a beginner, you need to use only two forms: comparatives of adjectives and nouns.

The following grammar rules explain you how to use it:

• For example, someone can say : "Mon appartement est moins grand que la maison de mes parents (1). Mais, dans mon appartement, il y a autant de meubles que dans la maison de mes parents." (2) 

• English translation : "My flat is smaller than my parents’ house. But in my flat, there is as much furniture as in my parents' house." 

Please note that:

1. ​​In the first sentence, a comparative form of adjective is used ; the structure is: "Moins + Adjective + Que". ​

Be careful!
The adjective changes according to the noun to which it refers:
You must add an "-e" at the end of the feminine form of the noun if the noun is feminine and an "-s" in the plural form if the noun is plural.

    2.    In the second sentence, a comparative form of noun is used ; the structure is: "Autant 

         de + Noun + Que".

Be careful!
You must add a "-s" to the name when it is countable.

Now it's your turn to play! 
Practice by comparing objects on your daily life using these grammar rules that you can only consult online.

To get further assistance, more information on other grammar concepts (for example, the adjective forms) or being corrected by a teacher (for phonetics, among other things), please send us your recording or contact us at contact@learnrealfrenchnow.com.

MAYS AL SABBAGH

French Language Teacher & CEO @ Learn Real French Now