Au fur et à mesure

Au fur et a mesure
Share / Tweet / Pin Me!

French Expression

Meaningas, while; as one goes along; gradually
Literallyat the rate and in measure
Registernormal
Pronunciation [o fu ray a m(eu) zur]
IPA  [o fy ʁe a mə zyʁ]

Usage notes: Au fur et à mesure is a long French expression with a precise meaning. While it’s commonly translated as "as," au fur et à mesure is more exact than that: it is used only for two actions that happen at the same time and at a consistent pace.

Par exemple…

Elle nettoie au fur et à mesure que je cuisine.  She cleans while I cook.
Au fur et à mesure que le jour J approche, nous préparons tout. As the big day approaches, we’re preparing everything.

The second verb can be implied …

Ramasse les vêtements au fur et à mesure. Pick up the clothes as you go (around the room).
Je fais la vaisselle au fur et à mesure. I do the dishes as I go (as I dirty them).

or replaced with de + noun.

Tenez moi au courant au fur et à mesure de votre progression. Keep me informed about your progress.
L’idée du film a mûri au fur et à mesure du tournage. The film’s idea matured during filming.

 Somewhat synonymous: Au fur et à mesure can only be used with active verbs like aller and parler, not with passive verbs like regarder and écouter. For simultaneous happenings with the latter, you need tandis que instead.

Etymology

  • Fur dates back to the 16th century, when it meant “rate.”
  • Mesure = “measure” or “measurement.”

Stay up to date with Lawless French

Questions about French?

 Ask me in the comments section below or visit the Progress with Lawless French Q+A forum to get help from native French speakers and fellow learners.
 

More Lawless French

 Subscribe to my twice-weekly newsletter.
      

Support Lawless French

  This free website is created with love and a great deal of work.

If you love it, please consider making a one-time or monthly donation.

Your support is entirely optional but tremendously appreciated.