Why "tout" instead of "tous" in this sentence?

Zhuohui C.B1Kwiziq community member

Why "tout" instead of "tous" in this sentence?

In this example sentence, "Nous sommes rentrés, les vêtements tout sales et les cheveux en bataille.", why you use tout, instead of tous? Should "tous" be agree with "les vetments" and "sales" in number?

Asked 4 years ago
CécileKwiziq team memberCorrect answer

I have checked the lesson and it doesn't include 'tout' adverbe invariable

Just to explain it is used to mean 'wholly' or 'completely' and doesn't agree with the word it modifies.

e.g.

Elle est rentrée tout en larmes = She came home crying her eyes out

Ils sont tout seuls en ce moment They are all alone at the moment

Allons tout doucement!Let's go very softly!

etc.

This form of 'tout' adverb has now been added to the lesson.

Maarten K.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor

According to Word reference and Larousse (link below), «tout» is an adverb in this situation, meaning 'very' 'all' 'entirely'. It doesn't agree with the adjective it modifies, and has limited variability (toute in some circumstances). Several answers below note this too. It is modifying the adjective. On the other hand, «sales» as the adjective agrees in number (and gender) with «les vêtements». https://www.larousse.fr/dictionnaires/francais/tout/78775?q=tout#77840

CécileKwiziq team member

Hi Zhuohui,

Please take a look at the following Kwiziq lesson on when to use tout and tous -

https://progress.lawlessfrench.com/revision/grammar/tout-tous-and-toute-toutes-all-all-of-them-the-whole-indefinite-pronouns

Bonne Continuation!

Maarten K.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor

There is no reference in that lesson to "tout" specifically as an adverb that I can see. I found more on this in larousse dictionary/word reference/petit robert dictionary online Worth looking at for further information on the situations in which 'tout' is used as an adverb.

Maarten K.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor

Both Larousse and Robert dictionaries note that the adverb «tout» is variable when modifying adjectives - feminine adjectives commencing with consonant, or h aspire, but invariable as an adverb in all other circumstances. The examples from Robert: Toute belle. Portes ouvertes toutes grandes. Elle est toute honteuse.

Why "tout" instead of "tous" in this sentence?

In this example sentence, "Nous sommes rentrés, les vêtements tout sales et les cheveux en bataille.", why you use tout, instead of tous? Should "tous" be agree with "les vetments" and "sales" in number?

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