au fur et à mesure
To be in debt
Literalmente: at the price and at the measure
Use this phrase to describe progress that happens gradually and synchronized with another action.
Em 15 segundos
- 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.
Significado
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.
Exemplos-chave
3 de 6Cooking with a friend
Ajoute le lait au fur et à mesure.
Add the milk as you go.
A professional meeting
Nous adapterons le plan au fur et à mesure des résultats.
We will adapt the plan as the results come in.
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.
Contexto cultural
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.
Em 15 segundos
- 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.
Notas de uso
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.
Exemplos
6Ajoute le lait au fur et à mesure.
Add the milk as you go.
Commonly used in recipes for adding ingredients slowly.
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.
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.
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.
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.
La confiance se gagne au fur et à mesure.
Trust is earned bit by bit.
Used for abstract concepts that take time.
Teste-se
Complete the sentence to say 'We are cleaning as we go.'
On nettoie ___.
'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.
You must add 'que' when a full clause (subject + verb) follows the expression.
🎉 Pontuação: /2
Recursos visuais
Formality of 'Au fur et à mesure'
Used with friends while cooking or playing games.
On verra au fur et à mesure !
The standard way to say 'gradually' in daily life.
Payez au fur et à mesure.
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'
Cooking
Adding flour slowly
Work
Updating a file daily
Learning
Understanding a lesson
Travel
Planning a road trip day-by-day
Perguntas frequentes
10 perguntasIt 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.
Frases relacionadas
petit à petit
progressivement
en cours de route
pas à pas
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