French grammar: articles partitifs

What this grammar point covers

Partitive articles in French are words used before uncountable or mass nouns to talk about 'some' or 'a part of' something, like food or drink.

When to use it

Use partitive articles in French when you talk about an unspecified quantity of something you cannot count, such as food, liquids, or other materials. For example, when you want to say you eat or drink some of something.

Key forms

• du (masculine singular)
• de la (feminine singular)
• de l’ (before a vowel or silent h)
• des (plural)

Examples

Tips

• Do not use the partitive article with things you can count (like 'une pomme').
• After a negative verb, use 'de' or 'd’' instead of the partitive article (e.g., 'Je ne veux pas de pain.').
• Remember to use 'de l’' before words starting with a vowel or silent h.

Exceptions and edge cases

• After expressions like 'beaucoup de', 'peu de', or 'assez de', use only 'de' or 'd’', not the partitive article.