Soit de l’argent, soit un cadeau

Question

Why is it de l’argent which I thought meant some money. The lesson wrote: either money or a gift. So why was soit d’argent wrong? Thanks.

Cécile Janty-Davies · Accepted Answer

Hi Liz,
I think it is the old problem between using the definite article and the partitive.
De l'argent = some money, or a certain amount of money
l'argent = the money you are talking about 
or all money in general as in ----> l'argent est sale, il faut faire attention 
If the example was chocolate or money it would be -
soit du chocolat, soit de l'argent 
both partitive 
de l' + argent because of the vowel.
I hope I have understood your query...

Liz Healy · Answer

Thanks! I think I finally understand. Merci beaucoup !