Two expressions play tricks on your sense of logic: plus d'un (more than one) and moins de deux (fewer than two). In French, subject-verb agreement for these phrases is based strictly on grammar, not math.
Plus d'un (More than one)
Logically, "more than one" means multiple things. But because the phrase centers on the singular word un, the noun and verb that follow are always singular.
| More than one film lover saw this masterpiece playing. | Plus d'un cinéphile a vu ce chef-d'œuvre à l'affiche. |
| More than one spectator is ignoring the first showing. | Plus d'un spectateur boude la première séance. |
| More than one cinema is screening this movie, even if it is a failure. | Plus d'un cinéma projette ce film, même si c'est un échec. |
Moins de deux (Fewer than two)
The opposite paradox happens with moins de deux. Logically, "fewer than two" implies one or zero. But because the phrase revolves around the plural word deux, the noun and verb that follow must be plural.
| Fewer than two film lovers appreciated this showing. | Moins de deux cinéphiles ont apprécié cette séance. |
| Fewer than two movies remain playing today. | Moins de deux films restent à l'affiche aujourd'hui. |
| Fewer than two cinemas are screening this movie, so it is a failure. | Moins de deux cinémas projettent ce film, donc c'est un échec. |
At the Box Office
Remember: use the singular for plus d'un and the plural for moins de deux.
| More than one triumph has grossed millions at the box office. | Plus d'un triomphe a rapporté des millions au box-office. |
| Fewer than two directors are ignoring this project, which is going to gross a lot. | Moins de deux réalisateurs boudent ce projet, qui va rapporter beaucoup. |
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