L’intensité · les constructions utiles
1 · Before an adjective or adverb
Très goes before the quality or manner. It does not attach directly to a verb such as aider.
| très utile | very useful |
| très bien | very well |
Cette explication est très claire.This explanation is very clear.
Elle explique très clairement.She explains very clearly.
2 · An action or an amount
Use beaucoup for the extent of an action and beaucoup de before a noun giving an amount.
| aimer beaucoup | like a lot |
| beaucoup de questions | a lot of questions |
Cette explication m’aide beaucoup.This explanation helps me a lot.
Il reste beaucoup de travail.There is a lot of work left.
3 · Familiar emphasis
Compare whole phrases: vachement utile can become très utile; m’aide vachement can become m’aide beaucoup.
Ton explication est vachement utile.Your explanation is really useful.
Ton explication m’aide vachement.Your explanation helps me a lot.
4 · Degree or excess
Très gives a high degree. Trop often means that a limit has been exceeded. Familiar praise also uses trop, as in C’est trop bien !
Le discours est très long, mais nous avons le temps.The speech is very long, but we have time.
Le discours est trop long pour les cinq minutes prévues.The speech is too long for the five minutes allowed.
C’est trop sympa de m’aider !It’s really nice of you to help me!
5 · Description or truth check
Read the question as well as the word. “Really useful” and “Do you really think so?” do different jobs.
Cette réponse est vraiment claire.This answer is really clear.
Tu le penses vraiment ?Do you really think so?
6 · An emphatic reply
After an invitation, it can express emphatic, familiar acceptance.
Tu veux participer ? — Carrément !Do you want to take part? — Absolutely!