A2 Idiom तटस्थ 3 मिनट पढ़ने का समय

au fur et à mesure

To be in debt

शाब्दिक अर्थ: at the price and at the measure

Use this phrase to describe progress that happens gradually and synchronized with another action.

15 सेकंड में

  • Means 'as you go' or 'step-by-step' during an action.
  • Used to describe two things happening at the same time.
  • Very common in both professional and casual daily life.

मतलब

This phrase describes something happening step-by-step or gradually over time. It is like saying 'as you go' or 'bit by bit' while an action is unfolding.

मुख्य उदाहरण

3 / 6
1

Cooking with a friend

Ajoute le lait au fur et à mesure.

Add the milk as you go.

😊
2

A professional meeting

Nous adapterons le plan au fur et à mesure des résultats.

We will adapt the plan as the results come in.

💼
3

Texting about a long book

Je t'explique l'histoire au fur et à mesure que je lis.

I'll explain the story to you as I read.

😊
🌍

सांस्कृतिक पृष्ठभूमि

This expression dates back to the 16th century and reflects the French linguistic habit of pairing synonyms for rhythmic balance. While 'fur' is no longer used as a standalone noun in modern French, it survives exclusively within this phrase, making it a linguistic fossil that every French person uses daily.

💡

The 'Que' Rule

If you follow the phrase with a verb, always add `que`. If you follow it with a noun, use `de`. If it's at the end of the sentence, use nothing!

⚠️

Don't over-translate

English speakers often try to use 'graduellement'. While correct, it sounds a bit robotic. `Au fur et à mesure` is what a native would actually say.

15 सेकंड में

  • Means 'as you go' or 'step-by-step' during an action.
  • Used to describe two things happening at the same time.
  • Very common in both professional and casual daily life.

What It Means

Au fur et à mesure is your best friend for describing progress. It means things are happening simultaneously. As one thing moves forward, another thing follows right along. Think of it like a zipper closing up. One side moves, and the other side joins it perfectly. It is much more elegant than just saying 'gradually.' It implies a synchronized flow between two actions.

How To Use It

You can use it alone or with que. If you use au fur et à mesure que, you need a full sentence after it. For example, au fur et à mesure que je parle means 'as I am speaking.' If you use it alone at the end of a sentence, it just means 'gradually' or 'as we go.' It is very flexible. You do not need to change it for gender or number. It stays exactly as it is.

When To Use It

Use this when you are explaining a process. It is perfect for recipes while you add flour. Use it at work when discussing a project's evolution. It is great for storytelling too. It builds a sense of rhythm. You will hear it when people talk about learning a language. You learn new words au fur et à mesure. It feels natural and sophisticated.

When NOT To Use It

Do not use this for sudden actions. If something happens all at once, this phrase is wrong. It is not for 'eventually' or 'later on.' It requires a continuous process. Also, avoid it in very short, panicked commands. If the house is on fire, do not say 'leave bit by bit.' Just say 'leave!' It is a phrase for steady progress, not emergencies.

Cultural Background

This phrase is a survivor of Old French. Fur comes from an old word for 'price' or 'rate.' It originally had to do with proportional exchanges in markets. Over centuries, the financial meaning faded away. Now, it is purely about the flow of time and action. It is one of those 'doublet' expressions the French love. Using two words that mean similar things adds emphasis and style.

Common Variations

You might hear people say just au fur. However, that is very rare and sounds incomplete. Stick to the full version for the best effect. Sometimes people use petit à petit as a synonym. While petit à petit means 'little by little,' au fur et à mesure sounds a bit more professional. It suggests a tighter link between two simultaneous events.

इस्तेमाल की जानकारी

This phrase is a staple of the French language. It is perfectly acceptable in all social registers, from street slang to legal documents.

💡

The 'Que' Rule

If you follow the phrase with a verb, always add `que`. If you follow it with a noun, use `de`. If it's at the end of the sentence, use nothing!

⚠️

Don't over-translate

English speakers often try to use 'graduellement'. While correct, it sounds a bit robotic. `Au fur et à mesure` is what a native would actually say.

💬

The Mystery of 'Fur'

If you ask a French person what 'fur' means on its own, they won't know! It's a 'dead' word that only exists in this specific phrase.

उदाहरण

6
#1 Cooking with a friend
😊

Ajoute le lait au fur et à mesure.

Add the milk as you go.

Commonly used in recipes for adding ingredients slowly.

#2 A professional meeting
💼

Nous adapterons le plan au fur et à mesure des résultats.

We will adapt the plan as the results come in.

Shows flexibility and professional planning.

#3 Texting about a long book
😊

Je t'explique l'histoire au fur et à mesure que je lis.

I'll explain the story to you as I read.

The 'que' connects it to a specific action.

#4 Learning a new skill
🤝

On apprend les règles au fur et à mesure du jeu.

We learn the rules as the game goes on.

Perfect for explaining learning by doing.

#5 A humorous observation about aging
😄

Mes cheveux tombent au fur et à mesure que je stresse !

My hair is falling out as I get more stressed!

Hyperbolic use to describe a funny/sad situation.

#6 A deep conversation about life
💭

La confiance se gagne au fur et à mesure.

Trust is earned bit by bit.

Used for abstract concepts that take time.

खुद को परखो

Complete the sentence to say 'We are cleaning as we go.'

On nettoie ___.

✓ सही! ✗ बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब: au fur et à mesure

'Au fur et à mesure' is the only option that describes a gradual, ongoing process.

Which connector is needed when followed by a subject and verb?

Il comprend ___ qu'il étudie.

✓ सही! ✗ बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब: au fur et à mesure que

You must add 'que' when a full clause (subject + verb) follows the expression.

🎉 स्कोर: /2

विज़ुअल लर्निंग टूल्स

Formality of 'Au fur et à mesure'

Informal

Used with friends while cooking or playing games.

On verra au fur et à mesure !

Neutral

The standard way to say 'gradually' in daily life.

Payez au fur et à mesure.

Formal

Common in business reports and legal documents.

L'évolution se fera au fur et à mesure des besoins.

Where to use 'Au fur et à mesure'

As you go
🍳

Cooking

Adding flour slowly

💻

Work

Updating a file daily

📚

Learning

Understanding a lesson

🚗

Travel

Planning a road trip day-by-day

अक्सर पूछे जाने वाले सवाल

10 सवाल

It means 'as you go' or 'gradually.' It describes an action that happens in small steps alongside another action, like On apprend au fur et à mesure (We learn as we go).

It is neutral and very versatile. You can use it with your boss or with your kids; it always sounds natural and correct.

No, that would sound incomplete and confusing. You must use the full phrase au fur et à mesure to be understood.

Add que when you are starting a new clause with a subject and a verb, such as au fur et à mesure que le temps passe (as time passes).

They are similar, but petit à petit emphasizes the smallness of the steps, while au fur et à mesure emphasizes the progression in relation to something else.

Not really, but in very casual speech, people might say it quickly so it sounds like one long word. There is no accepted abbreviation.

Yes! You can say Je l'ai fait au fur et à mesure (I did it as I went along). It works for any tense.

Extremely common. You will see it in novels, news articles, and business emails constantly.

The most common mistake is forgetting the 'à' or the 'et'. Make sure to include all five words: au, fur, et, à, mesure.

No, 'eventually' is finalement. Au fur et à mesure is about the process, not just the end result.

संबंधित मुहावरे

petit à petit

progressivement

en cours de route

pas à pas

क्या यह मददगार था?
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