Breakdown of Moins de deux films sont aussi célèbres que ce triomphe.
être
to be
ce
this (before a noun)
de
of / from / any (in negative sentences) / about (concerning)
le film
the movie / the film
deux
two
moins
less / to (time)
célèbre
famous
que
than (in comparisons)
aussi
as (in comparisons)
le triomphe
the triumph
Questions & Answers about Moins de deux films sont aussi célèbres que ce triomphe.
Logically, 'fewer than two movies' means one movie or none. Why are the verb and adjective in the plural (sont aussi célèbres)?
This is a classic French grammar paradox! Even though the meaning of moins de deux implies a singular or zero quantity, the grammatical agreement is based strictly on the number deux, which is plural. Because of this, the noun (films), the verb (sont), and the adjective (célèbres) must all be plural.
How does this plural rule compare to using plus d'un (more than one)?
It is the exact opposite paradox. While plus d'un logically implies multiple things, the grammar locks onto the singular word un. So you would say Plus d'un film est célèbre with singular agreement. In both cases, French agreement follows the written number in the expression rather than the logical quantity it represents.
Why do we use aussi ... que here instead of autant ... que for the comparison?
How does the pronunciation work here? Do I pronounce the 'x' in deux or the 's' in films?
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