Should the "s" be pronounced at the end of "plus" in this (positive) construction?
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Aaron G. Kwiziq Q&A super contributor
Should the "s" be pronounced at the end of "plus" in this (positive) construction?
The example voice pronounces it before "les gens" but not elsewhere. Which is correct?
This question relates to:French lesson "Plus... plus..., moins... moins... = the more...the more..., the less...the less... (comparisons with phrases)"
Asked 8 years ago
Rebonjour Aaron,
Sorry about that. In certain expressions, including plus __ plus ___ and de plus en plus, pronouncing the s at the end of the plus is optional. (Unless of course there's a required liaison, as in de plus en plus.)
LauraKwiziq team member
Bonjour Aaron,
The general rule is that s at the end of the French word plus is pronounced when it's positive, and not when it's negative. So,
J'ai plus de temps = I have more time = s is pronounced.
Je n'ai plus de temps = I don't have any more time = s is silent.
Aaron G. Kwiziq Q&A super contributor
Thanks Laura!
However, I'm afraid that perhaps I wasn't specific enough — I didn't realize my question would be posted on a separate page without the full context of the exercise that gave rise to it.
My question was concerning the *plus [clause] plus [clause]* construction, which I did think might fall under the general rule, but since I posted it, I've read conflicting answers elsewhere. Some suggest that the *s* is not pronounced in this context, and some say that in this context both ways of saying *plus* are heard.
Ozan D.Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor
and what about for adverbs position with plus Which one is true?
Plus vite nous payons, plus vite je sors.
moins je mange vite, moins je gagne de poids
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