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A2Grammar cheat sheet

Quantity expressions

High-priority A2 grammar concept for TEF/TCF preparation: Quantity expressions.

Quick rule

Articles show whether a noun is specific, general, countable, or an unspecified quantity.

Patterns to memorize

  • definite: le, la, l', les = specific/general category
  • indefinite: un, une, des = one/some
  • partitive/quantity: du, de la, de l', des; after quantity often de

Where to use it

  • Describing people, food, work, housing, and services
  • MCQ questions about noun phrases
  • Writing precise sentences

High-value examples

J'ai acheté du pain et une bouteille d'eau.

I bought some bread and a bottle of water.

Partitive + quantity expression.

Les transports publics sont importants.

Public transport is important.

Definite plural for a general category.

Common mistakes

  • Using des after beaucoup: beaucoup de
  • Forgetting l' before a vowel sound
  • Using English-style no article before French nouns

Mini drill

  • List 5 nouns with le/la/les.
  • Write 3 food sentences with du/de la/de l'.
  • Add beaucoup de or assez de.

Exam target

Use Quantity expressions in level-appropriate sentences.Recognize common errors and produce a corrected version.Apply the form in short exam-style writing.