d'autant plus que
All the More So Because with D'autant Plus Que
Use d'autant plus que to say 'all the more so because' or 'especially since.' It adds weight to a previous statement by introducing a reason that makes it even more true or significant.
How It Works
1. Meaning and Usage
The expression d'autant plus que is used to introduce a reason that strengthens a preceding claim. It translates to 'all the more so because,' 'even more so given that,' or 'especially since.' In written French, it is typically preceded by a comma to set off the supplementary reason.
2. Syntax and Structure
- Subordinate Clause: It introduces a subordinate clause and is followed by the indicative mood (not the subjunctive), as it presents a factual reason.
- Split Construction: You can 'split' the phrase to emphasize an adjective or adverb: Il est d'autant plus fatigué qu'il a mal dormi (He is all the more tired because he slept poorly).
- Standalone Usage: The que clause can be omitted if the reason is already clear from the context (e.g., J'en suis d'autant plus ravi !).
- The 'Et ce' Prefix: In formal writing, you will often see et ce before the expression (e.g., ..., et ce, d'autant plus que...). This refers back to the entire preceding idea to reinforce it.
- Elision: Remember that que becomes qu' before a vowel or mute 'h' (elision).
3. Variations
- d'autant que: A slightly less emphatic version that carries the same meaning.
- d'autant moins que: The negative counterpart, meaning 'all the less so because.'
- d'autant mieux que: Meaning 'all the better because,' often used with verbs of understanding or feeling.
4. Register
While it sounds sophisticated, it is a staple of professional, academic, and educated spoken French. In very casual speech, you might hear surtout que used as a substitute to provide a reason with parce que.
Examples (6)
- Cette offre est intéressante, d'autant plus qu'elle est limitée dans le temps.
This offer is interesting, all the more so because it is limited in time.
Word by Word: This offer is interesting, of-as-much more that she is limited in the time.
The fact that the offer is limited makes the 'interest' even stronger. Note the comma used to set off the supplementary reason.
- Le problème est d'autant plus grave qu'il touche les enfants.
The problem is all the more serious because it affects children.
Word by Word: The problem is of-as-much more serious that it touches the children.
Here, the phrase is split around the adjective 'grave' to emphasize the intensity of the problem.
- Je suis ravi de te voir, d'autant plus que je ne m'y attendais pas.
I am delighted to see you, especially since I wasn't expecting it.
Word by Word: I am delighted of you to see, of-as-much more that I not myself there expected not.
The surprise element reinforces the speaker's delight.
- Il est d'autant moins probable qu'il vienne qu'il est malade.
It is all the less likely that he will come because he is sick.
Word by Word: It is of-as-much less probable that he comes that he is sick.
This uses the negative variation 'd'autant moins que' to show a decrease in probability.
- Tu as réussi ton examen ? J'en suis d'autant plus ravi !
You passed your exam? I am all the more delighted (by it)!
Word by Word: You have succeeded your exam? I of-it am of-as-much more delighted!
The 'que' clause can be omitted if the reason is already implied by the context.
- Il comprend d'autant mieux qu'il a déjà vécu cette situation.
He understands all the better because he has already lived through this situation.
Word by Word: He understands of-as-much better that he has already lived this situation.
This variation uses 'mieux' (better) instead of 'plus' (more) to reinforce a verb of understanding or performance.
Common Mistakes
Using the subjunctive mood after 'que'.
C'est d'autant plus important qu'il soit là.C'est d'autant plus important qu'il est là.Learners often assume 'que' always triggers the subjunctive. However, 'd'autant plus que' introduces a factual cause, so it requires the indicative.
Confusing it with 'autant que'.
Je mange d'autant plus que toi.Je mange autant que toi.'Autant que' is for simple comparisons of equality (as much as). 'D'autant plus que' is for adding a reinforcing reason.
How It Connects
Learn This First
To understand 'd'autant plus que', you need to be comfortable with basic causal conjunctions like 'parce que' and the mechanics of comparisons using 'plus' and 'autant'. This pattern combines these elements to strengthen a reason or explanation.
- parce queBecause with Parce Que
Understanding how to introduce a causal clause with 'que' is fundamental to using 'd'autant plus que', which functions as a reinforced causal conjunction.
Level 3 - plus de / moins de / autant de + NounComparing Quantities of Nouns
The word 'autant' expresses equality or intensity, and familiarity with its use in comparisons helps in understanding its role in this complex conjunction.
Level 2
Related Patterns
- puisqueSince with Puisque
Used for causes that are already known to the listener, similar to the 'given that' nuance of 'd'autant plus que'.
Level 3 - plus...queComparative of Superiority
Both involve 'plus' and 'que' to create a comparison of intensity or superiority.
Level 1 - Dropping a vowel before another vowel
Essential for correctly writing 'qu'il' or 'qu'elle' within this pattern.
Level 1
Learn Next
Patterns that build on this one.
Words in This Pattern
Practice d'autant plus que in Bubblegum
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