Examples 8 & 10 - why is "mieux" being used and not "meilleur"?

Prashanth G.A2Kwiziq community member

Examples 8 & 10 - why is "mieux" being used and not "meilleur"?

Doesn't the use of the verb "etre" indicate a state of being rather than an action, and hence shouldnt meilleur be used instead of mieux?
Asked 7 years ago
AurélieNative French expert teacher in KwiziqCorrect answer
Bonjour Prashanth !

This is an interesting remark.
The difference between "meilleur" and "mieux" is the same as in between "bon"= good (adjective) and "bien"= well (adverb).
Therefore, depending on context, both can be used with the verb "être":
- When talking about something's quality (this is good), you will indeed use "meilleur":
"Ma machine est meilleure que la tienne." (My machine is better than yours.)
- But to express a general opinion in French, you will use "C'est bien" (= it's fine/well/ok) rather than "C'est bon" (more for taste); therefore in those cases, "c'est bien" will become "c'est mieux".

I hope that's helpful!
À bientôt !

Examples 8 & 10 - why is "mieux" being used and not "meilleur"?

Doesn't the use of the verb "etre" indicate a state of being rather than an action, and hence shouldnt meilleur be used instead of mieux?

Sign in to submit your answer

Don't have an account yet? Join today

Ask a question

Find your French level for FREE

Test your French to the CEFR standard

Find your French level
Getting that for you now...