Complete Guide: How to Use 'tout', 'toute', 'tous', and 'toutes' in French

Introduction

In French, the word "tout" (and its forms "toute", "tous", "toutes") is incredibly versatile. It can play multiple roles in a sentence, and its form changes depending on its function and the word it accompanies. Don't worry if this seems complex – we'll break it all down step by step!

Let's start with the basics:

The Four Roles of "Tout"

"Tout" can play four main roles in French:

1. Determiner (before a noun)
   • As in: Tout le monde aime le chocolat. (Everyone loves chocolate.)
   • It means "all, without exception".
2. Pronoun (replaces a noun)
   • For example: Tous sont arrivés. (Everyone has arrived.)
   • It represents an entire group.
3. Common noun (the entirety of something)
   • In: Le tout est plus que la somme des parties. (The whole is greater than the sum of its parts.)
   • Refers to the complete ensemble.
4. Adverb (modifies an adjective or another adverb)
   • Like: Elle est tout heureuse. (She's completely happy.)
   • Means "completely" or "very".

Heads up! Using "tout" as an adverb is the trickiest part. This is where even native French speakers sometimes hesitate. We'll explore this in detail. We'll start with the simplest uses and end with the most complex (yes, it's the adverb!). Don't worry, with a bit of practice, you'll understand it all!

1. "Tout" as a Determiner (before a noun)

When "tout" is a determiner, it expresses the idea of totality or entirety. It's placed before a noun.

Main rule: "Tout" agrees in gender and number with the noun it determines.

Examples:

• Tout le monde est là. (Everyone is here.)
• Toute la journée a été belle. (The whole day was beautiful.)
• Tous les jours, il pleut. (It rains every day.)
• Toutes les filles chantent. (All the girls are singing.)

Special case: When "tout" is used alone before a noun (without another determiner), it means "each" or "any". In this case, it's always singular but agrees in gender with the noun.

• Tout homme a le droit de rêver. (Every man has the right to dream.)
• Toute personne est la bienvenue. (Any person is welcome.)

2. "Tout" as a Pronoun (replacing a noun)

As a pronoun, "tout" represents an entire group or an entire thing. It replaces a noun or a noun phrase.

Main rule: "Tout" agrees in gender and number with what it represents.

Examples:

• Tout est possible. (Everything is possible.)
• Tous sont d'accord. (Everyone agrees.)
• Toutes sont parties. (All feminine have left.)

Important note: When "tous" is a subject pronoun, the final 's' is pronounced, unlike its use as a determiner.

3. "Tout" as a Common Noun

As a common noun, "tout" means "the whole" or "everything".

Main rule: It behaves like a normal masculine noun.

Examples:

• Le tout est plus grand que la somme des parties. (The whole is greater than the sum of its parts.)
• Ces éléments forment un tout cohérent. (These elements form a coherent whole.)

4. "Tout" as an Adverb (modifying an adjective or another adverb)

As an adverb, "tout" means "completely" or "entirely". It modifies an adjective, a past participle, or another adverb.

General rule: As an adverb, "tout" is generally invariable. However, there are important exceptions to know.

Examples:

• Il est tout content. (He's completely happy.)
• Elle est tout heureuse. (She's entirely happy.)
• Elle est toute surprise. (She's completely surprised.)
• Elles sont toutes honteuses. (They're completely ashamed.)
• Il parle tout doucement. (He speaks very softly.)

Cases where "tout" remains invariable:

1. Before a masculine adjective (singular or plural):
   • C'est tout beau ! (It's all beautiful!)
   • Les poils de mon chat sont tout doux. (My cat's fur is very soft.)
2. Before a feminine adjective starting with a vowel or silent h:
   • Sa mère est tout émue. (His mother is very moved.)
   • Elle se sent tout heureuse. (She feels completely happy.)
   • Les pommes sont tout écrasées. (The apples are completely crushed.)
3. Before another adverb:
   • Il parle tout doucement. (He speaks very softly.)

Important note: Don't forget to make the liaison between the adverb "tout" and the adjective that starts with a vowel!

Cases where "tout" agrees:

"Tout" varies in gender and number with feminine adjectives that begin with a consonant or aspirated h:

• Cette fille est toute gentille. (This girl is very kind.)
• Je me suis sentie toute honteuse. (I felt completely ashamed.)
• Elles sont parties toutes ravies. (They left completely delighted.)
• Ces tables sont toutes hautes. (These tables are all tall.)

Watch out for nuances:

• Ils sont tout contents. (They are completely happy.)
• Ils sont tous contents. (They are all happy, each of them.)

Special Cases and Expressions

• With a present participle:
  • Elle lit tout en marchant. (She reads while walking.)
• In fixed expressions (invariable):
  • Tout à fait (Absolutely)
  • Tout à coup (Suddenly)
  • Tout de suite (Right away)

Test Your Knowledge

Set 1: "Tout" as a Determiner

Set 2: "Tout" as a Pronoun

Set 3: "Tout" as an Adverb

Set 4: Mixed Usage of "Tout"