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Using “de” with quantities Exercises in French language

Mastering the use of "de" in French, especially when dealing with quantities, is essential for achieving fluency and precision. In French, "de" serves a crucial role in expressing quantities and measurements, acting as a versatile preposition that connects nouns to amounts. Whether you are talking about a cup of coffee, a kilogram of apples, or a piece of advice, understanding the rules and nuances of "de" will greatly enhance your ability to communicate effectively in French. This knowledge not only helps in everyday conversations but is also vital for reading and writing accurately.
To grasp the use of "de" with quantities, it's important to recognize its various applications and exceptions. Typically, "de" is used without the definite article after expressions of quantity, such as "beaucoup de" (a lot of), "peu de" (little of), and "un verre de" (a glass of). However, it transforms when used in negative sentences and with certain plural nouns, adding layers of complexity to its usage. This section will guide you through practical exercises that illustrate these rules, helping you to internalize them through practice and repetition. By the end of these exercises, you'll be more confident in using "de" correctly, enriching your overall proficiency in the French language.
Exercise 1
<p>1. Elle a acheté un kilo *de* pommes (fill in the blank with the preposition needed after a quantity).</p>
<p>2. Il a besoin *de* sucre pour la recette (fill in the blank with the preposition needed after "besoin").</p>
<p>3. Nous avons beaucoup *de* travail aujourd'hui (fill in the blank with the preposition needed after "beaucoup").</p>
<p>4. Ils ont acheté un paquet *de* farine (fill in the blank with the preposition needed after a quantity).</p>
<p>5. Elle a bu un verre *de* vin rouge (fill in the blank with the preposition needed after a quantity).</p>
<p>6. J'ai vu un groupe *de* touristes dans le parc (fill in the blank with the preposition needed after a collective noun).</p>
<p>7. Il a une boîte *de* chocolats pour toi (fill in the blank with the preposition needed after a container noun).</p>
<p>8. Nous avons besoin *de* motivation pour réussir (fill in the blank with the preposition needed after "besoin").</p>
<p>9. Il y a beaucoup *de* neige en hiver (fill in the blank with the preposition needed after "beaucoup").</p>
<p>10. Elle a acheté une bouteille *de* lait (fill in the blank with the preposition needed after a container noun).</p>
Exercise 2
<p>1. Elle a acheté un kilo *de* pommes (quantity of apples).</p>
<p>2. Nous avons besoin *de* farine pour faire le gâteau (necessity of flour).</p>
<p>3. Il a bu beaucoup *de* jus d'orange ce matin (large amount of juice).</p>
<p>4. J'ai mis une cuillère *de* sucre dans mon café (small measurement of sugar).</p>
<p>5. Ils ont donné un bouquet *de* fleurs à leur professeur (gift of flowers).</p>
<p>6. Il y a peu *de* temps avant le début du film (limited amount of time).</p>
<p>7. Nous avons mangé trop *de* chocolat hier soir (excessive amount of chocolate).</p>
<p>8. Elle a trouvé un sac *de* riz au supermarché (container of rice).</p>
<p>9. J'ai reçu une boîte *de* chocolats pour mon anniversaire (packaged chocolates).</p>
<p>10. Ils ont acheté une bouteille *de* vin pour le dîner (container of wine).</p>
Exercise 3
<p>1. Je veux acheter *un kilo de* pommes (quantity and unit).</p>
<p>2. Nous avons besoin *d'un peu de* sel pour la recette (a small amount).</p>
<p>3. Il a bu *beaucoup de* café ce matin (a large amount).</p>
<p>4. Elle a pris *trois bouteilles de* vin pour la fête (specific number and container).</p>
<p>5. Vous avez commandé *une douzaine de* croissants pour le petit-déjeuner (unit of quantity).</p>
<p>6. Ils ont donné *un litre de* lait au voisin (unit of volume).</p>
<p>7. J'aimerais *un morceau de* gâteau, s'il vous plaît (a piece).</p>
<p>8. Il y a *peu de* personnes dans le parc aujourd'hui (a small number).</p>
<p>9. Elle a acheté *cinq kilos de* farine pour la boulangerie (specific weight).</p>
<p>10. Nous avons vu *beaucoup de* films ce mois-ci (a large number).</p>