Question 1

How do we use 'de moins en moins' to mean 'less and less'?

Accepted Answer

The phrase de moins en moins literally translates to 'of less in less', but it is the standard French way to express 'less and less'. Just like in English, you place it directly before the adjective it describes, which in this sentence is précis.

Question 2

Why is there no plural ending added to the adjective 'précis'?

Accepted Answer

Because précis already ends in an -s in its basic masculine singular form. When a masculine noun or adjective naturally ends in -s, -x, or -z, its spelling doesn't change when it becomes plural. It correctly matches the masculine plural subject Les mouvements without needing an extra letter.

Question 3

Is there a liaison when pronouncing 'de moins en moins'?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Because the first moins ends in a consonant and the next word en starts with a vowel, you make a mandatory liaison. The -s makes a 'Z' sound, connecting them so it sounds like 'moin-Z-en'. The final -s on the second moins remains silent.

Question 4

I know 'de moins en moins' means 'less and less', but how would I say 'more and more' if the movements were getting better?

Accepted Answer

To say 'more and more', you use the exact same grammatical structure but swap moins for plus, creating the phrase de plus en plus. If the sentence were describing increasing precision, it would end with de plus en plus précis.

Les mouvements sont très complexes, mais de moins en moins précis.

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