Noun complements

MarilynC1Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor

Noun complements

I'm trying to get to grips with noun complements as well as the content of this lesson. Both involve de and d' and maybe des (I am confused!) Can you suggest other lessons that could help with this thorny subject please. 

Asked 5 years ago
ChrisC1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor

Hi Marilyn,

D'autres -- of othersDes autres -- of the others.

Je veux d'autres textes. -- I want other texts (of other texts).Je veux des autres textes. -- I want the other texts (of the other texts).

As you see, the version without the definite articles refers to an unspecified group of others. Just some other texts. The second sentence refers to a specific group from which to chose (the other texts).

MarilynC1Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor

Thank you, I think I've got the specific case of others/the others straight. I'd still like guidance on the uses of de/d'/des with noun complements generally though. 

ChrisC1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor

I am not sure what you mean. Can you give an example of what you are struggling with?

MarilynC1Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor

Chris, I'll try! When a noun is used as an adjective to describe another noun, it's usually linked by de or d' (e.g. jus de fruits) but there are cases where des is used and I would like clarification of when this is. In other words, how do I know when to use de or des in this situation? Thank you.

Marilyn asked:View original

Noun complements

I'm trying to get to grips with noun complements as well as the content of this lesson. Both involve de and d' and maybe des (I am confused!) Can you suggest other lessons that could help with this thorny subject please. 

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