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

FionaA2Kwiziq community member

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

Asked 5 years ago
ChrisC1 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).

TimothyA1Kwiziq 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.

Fiona asked:View original

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

Sign in to submit your answer

Don't have an account yet? Join today

Ask a question

Find your French level for FREE

Test your French to the CEFR standard

Find your French level
I'll be right with you...