le meilleur vs la meilleure

Sydney B.B2Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor

le meilleur vs la meilleure

I already tried submitting this question via the quiz: In a multiple-choice question I was supposed to fill in the answer for Elle est ________ aux jeux de la toupie dans notre groupe, or some such similar question. I got it wrong by selection le meilleur over la meilleur(e) It is not made clear in the the lesson on meilleur vs. mieux why the quiz answer should be la meilleur and not le meilleur. ... After all there may be males in the group considered in the for who is the best at the game."

Asked 3 years ago
Maarten K.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor Correct answer

< Elle est > - Elle is the subject and she is the best, hence feminine. It doesn’t matter who or what is in the group; < bon/meilleur > and the superlatives are adjectives and agreement is with the subject to whom/which the superlative/comparative applies. The same applies to < mauvais > and superlatives - adjectival agreement with the subject. However, bien and mal and their comparatives are adverbs, so do not require agreement with the subject.

Sydney B.B2Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor

Thanks; a thorough answer. Much appreciated, and Happy Holidays!

chris w.C1Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor

Given that this appears to be a general statement with etre, why isn't it mieux?

chris w.C1Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor

Given that this appears to be a general statement with etre, why isn't it mieux?

Maarten K.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor

Chris, I don’t think this is general - it is specific to her, about a specific game, and restricted to a comparison with a specific group of people. 

le meilleur vs la meilleure

I already tried submitting this question via the quiz: In a multiple-choice question I was supposed to fill in the answer for Elle est ________ aux jeux de la toupie dans notre groupe, or some such similar question. I got it wrong by selection le meilleur over la meilleur(e) It is not made clear in the the lesson on meilleur vs. mieux why the quiz answer should be la meilleur and not le meilleur. ... After all there may be males in the group considered in the for who is the best at the game."

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