plutôt que
The English phrase "rather than" is translated into French as plutôt que.
plutôt que is used to indicate a preference for one thing over another.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of plutôt (rather/sooner) and que (than).
Which one should you use?
While plutôt que expresses a preference or a choice between two alternatives, au lieu de (instead of) is used to express the substitution of one thing for another. Additionally, the single word plutôt can stand alone to mean "rather" or "instead" in response to a suggestion or to qualify an adjective.
How does it change in a sentence?
When plutôt que is followed by an infinitive verb, it is often preceded by the preposition de, forming plutôt que de.
Did you know?
- The word plutôt is literally a combination of plus (more) and tôt (early). It essentially describes a preference as something that happens 'sooner' or 'more quickly'.
- A single space transforms the word plutôt into the phrase plus tôt, shifting the meaning from a preference of choice to a literal measurement of time.
- In casual conversation, plutôt can function as a 'hedge' to soften a statement, performing a role similar to saying 'pretty' or 'kind of' in English.
Examples in context
- Il est critique plutôt que romancier.He is a critic rather than a novelist.This sentence shows how to use plutôt que to contrast two nouns.Tatoeba #132608 by Micsmithel, translation #299561 by CM
- J'aime mieux marcher plutôt que conduire.I prefer to go on foot rather than drive.This sentence illustrates a preference between two actions.Tatoeba #12393235 by FaustaJunilla, translation #12267656 by Miktsoanit
- Je préfère prendre le train plutôt que le car.I prefer to take the train rather than the bus.This sentence demonstrates a preference between two modes of transport.Tatoeba #12455978 by lbdx, translation #7800731 by sharris123
- Au lieu de regarder la télévision, il préfère lire des livres.Rather than watching TV, he prefers to read books.
- Je préférerais sortir plutôt que rester à la maison.I would rather go out than stay at home.
- Il préfère aller à la plage que de rester ici.He would rather go to the beach than stay here.
- Au lieu de sortir, on peut regarder un film à la maison.Rather than going out, we can watch a movie at home.
- J'aime mieux marcher plutôt que courir.I prefer walking rather than running.
- 47 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucas and Léa are deciding what to do on a Saturday afternoon.
- LucasOn va au cinéma plutôt que d'aller au parc ?Are we going to the cinema rather than going to the park?
- LéaOui, je préfère voir un film aujourd'hui.Yes, I prefer watching a movie today.
- LucasD'accord, quel film veux-tu voir ?Okay, which movie do you want to see?
- LéaUne comédie serait super !A comedy would be great!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries plutôt, que, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
