Tout as Pronoun, Adjective, Adverb

Te word tous is often used in French, and it can serve as a pronoun, an adverb, or an adjective. Let's take a look at the way it works in different situations.

Tous as Indefinite Pronoun

Rule 1: Tous, toutes as indefinite pronouns refer to people or things that are already known, and means "all" or "everyone." In this case, the -s in tous is spoken.

Rule 2: If the pronoun tous or toutes is the object in the sentence, it must be referred to using the objec pronoun les:

Rule 3: If a relative sentence is added to the pronoun tout, then we must use the following constructions:

tout ce + relative pronoun (qui/que/dont/où):

tous ceux + relative pronoun (qui/que/dont/où):

toutes celles + relative pronoun (qui/que/dont/où)

Tout as an Adverb

Rule 4: As an adverb, tout reinforces other adverbs or adjectives, and in general, it remains invariable. In this case, it can mean "very" or "completely."

Exception: the adverb tout is used in a feminine singular or plural form "toute" if it is followed by a word that ends with a consonant or a silent "h."

Tout as an Adjective

Rule 5: When tout is placed before the noun, it serves as an adjective and means "every” or “each." In that case, it can be used in four different forms: tout, toute, tous, and toutes, according to the number and gender of the noun it modifies.