Difference between revisions of "Language/French/Grammar/Omission-of-the-article-in-noun-constructions-linked-by-de"
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Revision as of 20:28, 15 October 2021
French Grammar – Omission of the article in noun constructions linked by de
The article is frequently omitted before the second noun in noun + noun constructions linked by de, where the second noun functions like an adjective (and is often translated into English as an adjective):
| French | English |
|---|---|
| une ambassade de France | a French embassy |
| une carte de visite | a visiting card |
| une carte de France | a map of France |
| un billet de bus | a bus ticket |
| un arrêt de bus | a bus stop |
| un tableau d'affichage | a notice board |
| une question d'argent | a question of money |
| une affaire de coeur | a matter of the heart |
| un problème de liquidité | a cash-flow problem |
| une salle de classe | a classroom |
| une salle de bains | a bathroom |
| une agence de voyages | a travel agent/agency |
| un verre de vin | a glass of wine |
| une tasse de thé | a cup of tea |
| une tasse de café | a cup of coffee |
But note that when the second noun is modified (by an adjective or a clause, for example) it becomes definite, and a definite article appears:
- une carte de la France métropolitaine
a map of mainland France
- Il va être question de l'argent que je t'ai prêté
There'll be a discussion about the money I lent you
- un arrêt du bus no 25
a stop for the number 25 bus