la plupart du temps
The English phrase "most of the time" is translated into French as la plupart du temps.
la plupart du temps is an adverbial phrase used to describe something that happens on most occasions. You can place this phrase either at the beginning or at the end of a sentence to provide emphasis.
Meaning: on most occasions (adv)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of la plupart (most) and du temps (of the time).
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Quebec French, la plupart du temps may be replaced with la majorité du temps.
How does it change in a sentence?
As an adverbial phrase, la plupart du temps is invariable. It does not change its form based on the gender or number of the subject it describes.
Did you know?
Examples in context
- Je déjeune là, la plupart du temps.I eat breakfast there, most of the time.This sentence shows the placement of la plupart du temps at the end of a sentence.Tatoeba #1367228 by sacredceltic, translation #1726868 by belgavox
- Tom est très occupé la plupart du temps.Tom is really busy most of the time.This sentence shows how to describe someone's state of being using la plupart du temps.Tatoeba #5353219 by Aiji, translation #3313938 by CK
- Mère était très occupée la plupart du temps.Mother was very busy most of the time.This sentence shows the use of la plupart du temps when describing a past state.Tatoeba #337804 by sysko, translation #320822 by CN
- Les étudiants réussissent la plupart du temps s'ils travaillent dur.Students succeed most of the time if they work hard.
- La plupart du temps , il est préférable d'arriver à l'avance aux réunions.Most of the time, it is preferable to arrive early to meetings.
- Généralement , les restaurants sont fermés le lundi.Most of the time, restaurants are closed on Mondays.
- Les réservations ne sont pas nécessaires, généralement .Reservations are not necessary, most of the time.
- J'aime regarder des films la plupart du temps.I like watching movies most of the time.
- Je mange en général des légumes pour le dîner.I mostly eat vegetables for dinner.
- 7 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Gabriel and Emma are discussing their work schedules.
- GabrielEst-ce que tu travailles de chez toi ?Do you work from home?
- EmmaOui, la plupart du temps.Yes, most of the time.
- GabrielC'est pratique pour toi, Emma ?Is it convenient for you, Emma?
- EmmaOui, j'aime beaucoup ça.Yes, I like it a lot.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries du, la, plupart, temps, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
