It is therefore not rare to hear that Mons comprises "19 communes" when in fact Mons is a single municipality (commune) divided into 19 sections. In addition, there is the term ancienne commune (former municipality), which has no official existence.
Mons is often referred to as having 19 communes, which is inaccurate. In actuality, it's a single municipality divided into 19 distinct sections. Furthermore, the term "ancienne commune" refers to a former municipality that doesn't hold any official status.