Question 1

Why is there no article before rigueur and délicatesse?

Accepted Answer

When using a preposition of manner like avec (with) or sans (without) followed by an abstract noun to describe how something is done, French drops the article. Because these are abstract qualities describing his work style, you use avec rigueur rather than avec la rigueur.

Question 2

Why is there no pas after travaille?

Accepted Answer

The structure ne ... ni ... ni means 'neither ... nor'. Just like with ne ... jamais (never) or ne ... rien (nothing), the ni replaces pas. Adding pas to this sentence would be grammatically incorrect.

Question 3

Do I have to repeat the preposition avec before both nouns?

Accepted Answer

Yes. In French, prepositions like avec, à, and de must be repeated before every noun in a list. This rule still applies when using the ni ... ni structure, so you cannot take a shortcut and say ni avec rigueur ni délicatesse.

Question 4

How does the meaning of délicatesse compare to the English word 'delicacy' here?

Accepted Answer

While they are related, in the context of performing a task, avec délicatesse means working gently, with a light touch, or with careful tact. It does not refer to a 'delicacy' in the sense of a rare or expensive food.

Il ne travaille ni avec rigueur ni avec délicatesse.

Breakdown of Il ne travaille ni avec rigueur ni avec délicatesse.

Questions & Answers about Il ne travaille ni avec rigueur ni avec délicatesse.

Learn Il ne travaille ni avec rigueur ni avec délicatesse and more in French