emploi des comparatifs et superlatifs grammar in French

Language: French
Level: B2
Unit: Adverbes, comparatifs et prépositions
Practice types: 0

What this grammar point covers

Comparatives and superlatives in French are used to compare people, things, or actions. Comparatives show differences or similarities, while superlatives express the highest or lowest degree.

When to use it

Use comparatives to compare two things or people. Use superlatives to say that something or someone is at the highest or lowest level in a group.

Key forms

plus ... que (more ... than)
moins ... que (less ... than)
aussi ... que (as ... as)
le/la/les plus ... (the most ...)
le/la/les moins ... (the least ...)

Examples

Marie est plus grande que Paul.

English: Marie is taller than Paul.

Ce livre est moins intéressant que le film.

English: This book is less interesting than the movie.

Il est aussi intelligent que son frère.

English: He is as smart as his brother.

C'est la plus belle plage.

English: This is the most beautiful beach.

C'est le moins cher.

English: This is the least expensive.

Tips

Remember to match 'le/la/les' with the gender and number of the noun in superlatives.
After 'plus', 'moins', or 'aussi', use 'que' to introduce what you are comparing.
For adjectives that go before the noun, the superlative also goes before the noun.

Exceptions and edge cases

Some adjectives have irregular comparative and superlative forms: 'bon' becomes 'meilleur' (better), 'le meilleur' (the best); 'mauvais' becomes 'pire' (worse), 'le pire' (the worst).