C'est la rue la plus petite dans la ville. Why is this wrong?

chris w.C1Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor

C'est la rue la plus petite dans la ville. Why is this wrong?

C'est la rue la plus petite dans la ville. It's a specific road in a specific town so why is dans wrong? Just as it's not wrong in il y a une boulangerie dans la ville? (Your example)

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

This a comparative structure and ‘de la rue/ de la classe’ etc are required. Il y a … is purely descriptive. English often will use ‘in’ instead of ‘of’ with this form of comparative, but French sticks to “ de “.

Chris W.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor

Just to spell out what Maarten explained:

C'est la rue la plus petite de la ville.

Maarten K.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor

Thanks Chris - I meant to write “ de la ville “ but, oh well, it’s late here !

Jim J.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor
"C'est la rue la plus petite de la ville"

Yes it is the prettiest or smallest but not the only street in the town  --  this is why Maarten is right from a comparative point of view.

C'est la rue la plus petite dans la ville. Why is this wrong?

C'est la rue la plus petite dans la ville. It's a specific road in a specific town so why is dans wrong? Just as it's not wrong in il y a une boulangerie dans la ville? (Your example)

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