Partitive articles

John W.C1Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor

Partitive articles

We are told that partitive articles become de or d' in negative tenses. Yet in Aurélie's Chrismas quiz 'il ne veut que de la bûche' is given as a correct answer.

Please explain.

Asked 6 years ago
Tom K.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor Correct answer

Hi John,

Although 'ne..que' resembles a negative construction, it does not connote actual negation but rather restriction and does not follow the rules for the substitution of the partitive article in negative constructions. So, 'il ne veut que de la bûche' is perfectly correct.

Hope this helps.

Tom

 

Chris W.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor
Il ne veut que de la bûche. -- He only wants log-cake.
Il ne veut pas de bûche. -- He doeesn't want log-cake.
John W.C1Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor

Hi Tom et Chris

Merci pour ces réponses. Maintenant je comprends.

John

John W. asked:

Partitive articles

We are told that partitive articles become de or d' in negative tenses. Yet in Aurélie's Chrismas quiz 'il ne veut que de la bûche' is given as a correct answer.

Please explain.

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...