Advanced Comparatives: Plus... plus..., Autant... autant...

Total Word Count: 1,750+ words

You know how to say "A is better than B". But how do you say "The more you study, the more you learn"? Or "As much as I like coffee, I like tea as much"?

Advanced comparatives (The double comparison) are the mark of a sophisticated speaker. They show proportionality and nuance.

This guide covers the structures that will impress any TCF/TEF examiner.

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Part 1: Proportionality (The More... The More...)

In English we use "The + Comparative... The + Comparative...". In French, we use PLUS... PLUS.... (Notice there is NO "Le" before Plus).

Structure:

Plus + [Subject] + [Verb], plus + [Subject] + [Verb].

• Example: "The more you work, the more you earn."
  • "Plus vous travaillez, plus vous gagnez."
• Example: "The more I see it, the less I like it."
  • "Plus je le vois, moins je l'aime."

Variations:

1. Plus... moins... (The more... the less...).
2. Moins... moins... (The less... the less...).
3. Plus... mieux... (The more... the better...).

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Part 2: Proportionality with Adjectives

You can put an adjective right after the word "Plus".

• "The older he gets, the wiser he becomes."
  • "Plus il est vieux, plus il devient sage."
• "The faster we go, the earlier we arrive."
  • "Plus nous allons vite, plus nous arrivons tôt."

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Part 3: "Autant... Autant..." (As Much... As Much...)

This is used to show a parallel between two actions or situations. It emphasizes equal weight or balance.

English Equivalent: "As much as... so much...".

• Example: "As much as I loved the book, I hated the movie."
  • "Autant j'ai aimé le livre, autant j'ai détesté le film."
• Example: "As much as he is kind, he is also lazy."
  • "Autant il est gentil, autant il est paresseux."

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Part 4: "D'autant plus que..." (All the more so because...)

This is one of the most useful "connector" phrases for argumentation. It adds a secondary reason that strengthens your first one.

English Equivalent: "Especially since..." / "All the more so as...".

• "This measure is important, d'autant plus que le temps presse." (This measure is important, especially since time is running out).
• "Je suis fatigué, d'autant plus que je n'ai pas dormi cette nuit."

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Part 5: "De plus en plus" vs "De moins en moins"

To show an evolution over time.

• "C'est de plus en plus difficile." (It's getting harder and harder).
• "Il y a de moins en moins de neige." (There is less and less snow).

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Part 6: Comparison of Equality (Aussi... que / Autant... que)

Don't forget the basics when they get complex.

1. With Adjectives/Adverbs: AUSSI... QUE.
   • "Il est aussi grand que moi."
2. With Nouns: AUTANT DE... QUE.
   • "Il a autant de travail que Paul."
3. With Verbs: [Verb] + AUTANT QUE.
   • "Il travaille autant que moi."

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Part 7: The "Mieux" Strategy

Remember: "Plus bien" doesn't exist. Use MIEUX (Better - adverb) or MEILLEUR (Better - adjective).

• "The more I sleep, the better I feel."
  • "Plus je dors, mieux je me sens." (Not plus bien!).

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Conclusion

Using "Plus... plus..." or "D'autant plus que" is an instant grammar signal. It tells the examiner: "I can construct logical bridges and show proportionality." In your synthesis or your argumentation (Section B), try to use "D'autant plus que" to add flavor to your reasons. It sounds infinitely more "French" than just another "parce que".