Comparing actions using verbs (she runs more than you) is different from comparing qualities or things.
Making comparisons with verbs in French
Have a look:
Note that to compare actions (verb [+ object]), you use comparative words as follows:
English | French |
[verb] more than | [verbe] plus que |
[verb] less than | [verbe] moins que |
[verb] as much as | [verbe] autant que |
Note that the comparing words never come before the verb:
you cannot say "Je plus mange que toi."
ATTENTION:
Sometimes, when the action includes verb + object (e.g. to play cards, to do the dishes), then the position of the comparing words can VARY:
it can be + + plus/moins/autant que
or + plus/moins/autant + + que
Whereas in English, you will need to use a subject pronoun after than (...than I (do), you (do), he/she (does)...), in French you will once again use the stress pronoun after que (... que moi, toi, lui/elle, nous, vous, eux/elles). You will also never repeat the verb with (do/am/have) afterwards.
Julien eats more than you do.
See also other Comparative structures:
Plus... plus..., moins... moins... = the more...the more..., the less...the less... (comparisons with phrases)
Better and better, worse and worse = de mieux en mieux, de pire en pire (Comparisons in French)
De plus en plus / De moins en moins + [adverbe/adjectif/verbe] = more and more / less and less + [adverb/adjective/verb] (Comparisons in French)
De plus en plus de / de moins en moins de + [nom] = more and more / less and less + [nouns] (Comparisons in French)
Plus ... que/Moins ... que/Aussi ... que = More ... than/Less ... than/As ... as (Comparisons with Adjectives in French)
Plus ... que/Moins ... que/Aussi ... que = More ... than/Less ... than/As ... as (Comparisons with Adverbs in French)
Plus de ... que/Moins de ... que/Autant de ... que = More ... than/Less ... than/As much/many ... as (Comparisons with Nouns in French)
And for Superlative forms, see:
Le/la/les plus and Le/la/les moins = The most and the least (Superlative with Adjectives in French)
Meilleur, mieux, pire / plus mauvais, plus mal = better, best, worse and worst in French (irregular comparatives and superlatives)
Le plus/Le moins = The most/the least (Superlative with Adverbs in French)
Forming the superlative of French adjectives in complex cases
Want to make sure your French sounds confident? We’ll map your knowledge and give you free lessons to focus on your gaps and mistakes. Start your Brainmap today »