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why is a quarter to "moins le quart," but "moins quart," is not allowed?

F. W.A2Kwiziq community member

why is a quarter to "moins le quart," but "moins quart," is not allowed?

This question relates to:French lesson "Telling time in French - general 12-hour clock rules"
Asked 6 years ago
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Chris W.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor Correct answer

Hi Fiona,

there's no justification except "that's just the way it is".

-- Chris (not a native speaker).

Like06 years ago
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Timothy G.A1Kwiziq community member

The way to think of it is moins le quart literally means minus the quarter.

Example:

Il est cinq heures moins le quart. Think of this as ... It is five o'clock minus the quarter which would make it 4:45.

Like26 years ago
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F. W. asked:

why is a quarter to "moins le quart," but "moins quart," is not allowed?

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