Language/French/Grammar/Adjectives-used-as-nouns
In French it is almost always possible to convert an adjective into a noun simply by placing an article in front of it:
Tab1
As can be seen, because English does not permit the creation of nouns with such freedom, translations either have to use vague terms like 'ones', 'thing(s)' or it is necessary to rephrase the sentence.
NB: Compare the post-verbal use of adjectives as nouns with the post-verbal use of numbers and quantifiers as nouns:
Tab2
With numbers and quantifiers en must be inserted in front of the verb. Adjectives of nationality and nouns of nationality are usually identical in form when used as adjectives or nouns EXCEPT that the nouns are written with capital letters:
- Elle est américaine
She is American
- Tout Français qui se respecte aime le fromage
Every true French person loves cheese
- Elle est de nationalité française
She is of Trench nationality
- C'est une Américaine
She is an American