De ou Des

Phúc Đ.B2Kwiziq community member

De ou Des

Bonjour,

Could you please explain why "de" was used instead of "des" in the example of this lesson:

Je devrai changer de vêtements.

Merci.


Asked 4 years ago
CécileKwiziq team memberCorrect answer

Hi Phúc,

Here is a list of verbs which take the preposition 'de' after them which often changes their meaning -

https://progress.lawlessfrench.com/learn/theme/3907372

J'ai changé de voiture = I have changed my car ( I have a new car)

J'ai changé de chaussures = I have changed my shoes ( I put another pair of shoes on)

Je devrai changer de vêtements = I will have to change my clothes 

Chris W.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor

The phrase is changer de qqc. You could say je change les vêtements, but this would mean that you change something pertaining to the clothes. Like you have them made wider or longer to suit you.

Tom K.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor

Hi Phúc,

This construction outlines the rule that after the preposition de the partitive articles and the plural of the indefinite article are omitted,

i.e           de + des = de
                de + du = de
                de + de la = de
                de +de l’ = de

e.g.        La salle est pleine de gens (de + des gens) – The room is full of (some) people

                Je rève de beurre au lieu de cette margarine (de + du beurre) – I’m dreaming of (some)  butter instead of this margarine !
               
                Le plancher est couvert de sciure  (de + de la scuire) – The floor is covered with (some) sawdust

                Quand je manque d’argent je fais des économies (de + de l’argent) – When I’m short of (some) money I make some savings

N.B In this type of construction the singular indefinite article is retained

e.g.        Je manque d’un stylo, j’ai besoin d’une gomme
                                BUT
               
Je me suis emparé de crayons - I grabbed some pencils. (ie the plural indefinite article (des)   has disappeared.

As Chris said, in the case you cited the verb form is changer de so hopefully the above explains why why the answer is "de vêtements" instead of "des vêtements”.

Hope this helps,

Tom

De ou Des

Bonjour,

Could you please explain why "de" was used instead of "des" in the example of this lesson:

Je devrai changer de vêtements.

Merci.


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