Articles — AQA GCSE French
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Articles explained
French articles agree in gender and number with the noun they precede.
Read the full explanation
Definite articles (le, la, l', les) mean 'the' and are used for specific items or general concepts (e.g., j'aime le chocolat). Indefinite articles (un, une, des) mean 'a', 'an', or 'some' for countable nouns. Partitive articles (du, de la, de l', des) express 'some' or 'any' for uncountable quantities (e.g., je bois de l'eau). Crucially, in negative sentences, indefinite and partitive articles change to 'de' or 'd'' (e.g., je n'ai pas de stylo, il ne mange jamais de viande). Understanding these distinctions is vital for accurate comprehension and expression in French.
Your focus
- Distinguish between definite, indefinite, and partitive articles in French.
- Apply the correct article based on the noun's gender, number, and countability.
- Transform indefinite and partitive articles to 'de' or 'd'' in negative sentences.
Articles exam tips
Marking Points
- Identify the correct definite article (le, la, l', les) based on noun gender and number.
- Select the appropriate indefinite article (un, une, des) for countable nouns.
- Apply partitive articles (du, de la, de l', des) correctly for uncountable nouns.
- Recognise and apply the rule changing indefinite and partitive articles to 'de' or 'd'' after a negative verb.
Examiner Tips
- 💡Always check the gender and number of the noun before selecting an article.
- 💡When you see a negative structure like 'ne... pas', immediately check if the following article needs to change to 'de'.
- 💡Remember that verbs of preference (aimer, adorer, détester) always take definite articles, even when talking about things in general.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'des' instead of 'de' after a negative verb, for example writing 'je n'ai pas des frères' instead of the correct 'je n'ai pas de frères'.
- Confusing partitive and definite articles when expressing preferences, such as saying 'j'aime du fromage' instead of the correct 'j'aime le fromage'.
- Forgetting to use 'l'' or 'd'' before a noun starting with a vowel or silent 'h', for example writing 'le arbre' instead of 'l'arbre'.