Expressions of quantity

Key points

When expressing a quantity of something the word de (or d’ before a vowel) is used instead of du, de l', de la or des.
These expressions of quantity might be numbers (un million de personnes), measures (un demi-kilo de beurre) or general expressions of quantity (beaucoup de bruit).

When expressing a quantity of something the word de (or d’ before a vowel ) is used instead of du, de l', de la or des. These expressions of quantity might be numbers or measures:

un million de personnes

a million people

une douzaine d’oeufs

a dozen eggs

un demi-kilo de beurre

half a kilo of butter

Or general expressions of quantity:

beaucoup de bruit

a lot of noise

trop de travail

too much work

une bouteille de vin

a bottle of wine

un verre d’eau

a glass of water

moins de sucre

less sugar

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