French Phrase
Cet été il fait plus froid que d'habitude ?
Meaning
The speaker is asking whether the weather this summer is colder than what is normally expected. It implies surprise because summer is usually warm, so the speaker is noting an unusual chill.
When to use
Use this sentence when talking about the current season’s weather, especially if you notice an unexpected drop in temperature and want to confirm it with someone else.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Cetétéilfaitplusfroidqued'habitude?
Cet (this)
Demonstrative adjective used before a masculine singular noun that begins with a vowel or mute h; it contracts to "cet".
été (summer)
Masculine noun meaning “summer.”
il fait (it is/it makes)
Impersonal construction used to talk about weather; the verb "faire" is conjugated in the third‑person singular.
plus… que (more… than)
Comparative structure: "plus" + adjective + "que" expresses a higher degree than the reference point.
d'habitude (than usual)
Fixed adverbial phrase meaning “as usual” or “normally.” The apostrophe replaces the elided "de".
Question intonation
In spoken French, a rising intonation at the end signals a yes/no question; the written form can use a question mark without inversion.
🗨In Conversation
Cet été il fait plus froid que d'habitude ?
Is it colder than usual this summer?
Oui, on a eu plusieurs vagues de froid ces dernières semaines.
Yes, we’ve had several cold spells in the past weeks.
✕Common Mistakes
Cet été il ne fait plus froid que d'habitude ?
Do not add a negative "ne" before "plus"; "plus" already indicates a higher degree.
Cet été il fait plus froid que d habitude ?
The apostrophe replaces the elided "de"; writing "d'habitude" without the apostrophe is incorrect.
Est‑ce que cet été il fait plus froid que d'habitude ?
When forming a question, you can keep the same word order; avoid adding "est‑ce que" unless you want a more formal style.
↔Alternatives
Il fait plus froid cet été que d'habitude.
It’s colder this summer than usual.
Cet été, il fait plus froid que d'habitude.
This summer, it’s colder than usual.
Ce n’est pas habituel, il fait plus froid cet été.
It’s not usual; it’s colder this summer.
Cultural Tip
In France, people often comment on the weather as a way to start a conversation. Mentioning an unusually cold summer can lead to discussions about climate change, regional differences (e.g., the north vs. the south), or upcoming holidays. Remember to keep a friendly tone; weather talk is considered small‑talk, not a deep debate.