partitive

Everyday

1. (grammar) A word or phrase that shows a part of a whole or an amount, such as "some of", "a piece of", "a slice of", "a glass of". tree →
2. (French) The partitive article "du, de la, des" meaning "some": "du pain" means "some bread". tree →

In the lessons

In English grammar, partitive phrases let us count uncountable things: "a loaf of bread", "a cup of tea", "a piece of advice". In French lessons, the partitive article is used before food: "Je voudrais du fromage" (I'd like some cheese). In maths, partitive division means sharing into equal groups.

Examples

• "A slice of cake" is a partitive phrase. tree →
• "Some of the children" uses a partitive. tree →
• In French, "de la confiture" means "some jam" (a partitive). tree →
• Use a partitive like "a piece of" with uncountable nouns: a piece of information. tree →
• "A bar of chocolate" is a partitive phrase. tree →
• In partitive division, 12 sweets shared among 3 children gives 4 each. tree →

Note

A grammar term for older pupils. Common English partitives: a piece of, a bit of, a slice of, a cup of, a glass of, a bottle of, some of, most of. In maths, "partitive division" means sharing a total into a known number of groups (12 / 3 = 4 in each group).