Study Notes
Overview
In OCR GCSE French, precise control over grammatical structures is a key differentiator, and articles are at the heart of this. Examiners award significant credit for the correct application of definite (le, la, les), indefinite (un, une, des), and partitive (du, de la, des) articles, as it demonstrates a fundamental understanding of French noun gender and number. This guide will cover the core rules, including the critical 'negative rule' (pas de) and contractions (au, du), which are essential for moving into the higher mark bands for Writing (AO4) and Speaking (AO2). A solid grasp of articles is not just about avoiding errors; it's about writing and speaking with the fluency and precision that examiners are looking for. By mastering these rules, candidates can significantly improve the quality of their language production.
Key Concepts & Rules
Definite, Indefinite, and Partitive Articles
What they are: Articles are small words that specify the grammatical definiteness of a noun. French has three types, and choosing the correct one depends on the noun's gender, number, and the context of the sentence.
Why it matters: Correct article usage is a primary indicator of grammatical accuracy. Marks are explicitly awarded for correct gender and number agreement. Failure to use the correct article can lead to a loss of marks and can sometimes obscure the meaning of a sentence.
Specific Knowledge: Candidates must know the gender of common nouns to select the correct article. For example, le livre (the book, masculine) vs. la table (the table, feminine).
The Negative Rule: 'Pas de'
What it is: In a negative sentence, the indefinite articles (un, une, des) and partitive articles (du, de la, de l', des) change to 'de' (or 'd'' before a vowel). For example, 'J'ai un chien' (I have a dog) becomes 'Je n'ai pas de chien' (I don't have a dog).
Why it matters: This is one of the most frequently tested grammatical points at GCSE. Examiners will penalise candidates who retain the original article after a negative construction (e.g., 'Je n'ai pas un frère'). The only major exception is with the verb 'être' (e.g., 'Ce n'est pas un problème').
Specific Knowledge: Candidates must be able to identify negative structures (ne...pas, ne...jamais, ne...plus) and apply the rule consistently.
Contractions with 'à' and 'de'
What they are: The prepositions 'à' (to, at) and 'de' (of, from) contract with the definite articles 'le' and 'les'.
- à + le = au (e.g., Je vais au cinéma)
- à + les = aux (e.g., Il parle aux touristes)
- de + le = du (e.g., Le début du film)
- de + les = des (e.g., Les livres des élèves)
Why it matters: Using contractions correctly is a sign of fluency. Translating 'to the' literally as 'à le' is a common error that examiners will penalise. It is particularly important when discussing sports with 'jouer à' and instruments with 'jouer de'.
Specific Knowledge: Candidates must memorise these four contractions and apply them automatically in their writing and speaking.