Question 1

Why does the sentence use plus petits que for smaller?

Accepted Answer

In English, we often add -er to short adjectives to compare things, like small becoming smaller. French never does this. Instead, you always put plus (more) before the adjective and que (than) after it. So, plus petits que literally translates to more small than.

Question 2

Why is there an s on the end of petits?

Accepted Answer

Even when used in a comparison inside the plus ... que structure, adjectives must still agree with the noun they describe. Since boutons (buttons) is masculine and plural, the adjective petit needs an s to become petits.

Question 3

What is ceux-là and how is it different from ces?

Accepted Answer

Ces must go right in front of a noun to mean these or those, like in ces boutons. Ceux-là is a pronoun that replaces the noun entirely so you do not have to repeat it, translating to those ones. It is made of ceux, which replaces masculine plural nouns, and -là, which points to things further away.

Question 4

Is que always used for than in comparisons?

Accepted Answer

Yes! When you are comparing two things using an adjective, French always uses que for than. You will use it with plus (more), moins (less), and aussi (as).

Ces boutons sont plus petits que ceux-là.

Breakdown of Ces boutons sont plus petits que ceux-là.

Questions & Answers about Ces boutons sont plus petits que ceux-là.

Learn Ces boutons sont plus petits que ceux-là and more in French