D'animaux vs DES animaux

Maddie D.A1Kwiziq community member

Why is it "Elle n'aime pas d'animaux" rather than "Elle n'aime pas DES animaux"? I didn't think that it mattered if the noun started with a vowel when it was plural; it would alway become "des" and the 's' would be pronounced in front of the vowel sound.

This question relates to:French lesson "Du/de la/de l'/des all become de/d' in negative sentences (French Partitive Articles)"

Asked 7 years ago

Like0Answer1

AurélieKwiziq Head of French, Native French TeacherCorrect answer

Bonjour Maddie !

In this case - negative sentences - the des becomes de.

J'ai des pommes. -> Je n'ai pas de pommes.

And de will become d' in front of a vowel or mute "h", for pronunciation reasons.

J'ai des animaux. -> Je n'ai pas d'animaux.

I hope that's helpful!
Bonne journée !

Like07 years ago

Maddie D. asked:

D'animaux vs DES animaux

Why is it "Elle n'aime pas d'animaux" rather than "Elle n'aime pas DES animaux"? I didn't think that it mattered if the noun started with a vowel when it was plural; it would alway become "des" and the 's' would be pronounced in front of the vowel sound.

Sign in to submit your answer

Don't have an account yet? Join today