"ce qui" and "ce que" in French

Understanding the difference between "ce qui" and "ce que" is crucial for constructing correct French sentences. These phrases are often used to introduce relative clauses and can be tricky for English speakers. Let's break down their usage and see some examples.

When to Use "Ce Qui"

"Ce qui" is used when the relative pronoun is the subject of the following verb. It can be translated as "what" or "that which" in English.

Examples:

• Ce qui me plaît, c'est la musique. (What pleases me is the music.)
• J'aime ce qui est naturel. (I like what is natural.)

When to Use "Ce Que"

"Ce que" is used when the relative pronoun is the direct object of the following verb. It's also translated as "what" or "that which" in English.

Examples:

• Je ne comprends pas ce que tu dis. (I don't understand what you're saying.)
• Ce que j'ai vu était incroyable. (What I saw was incredible.)

Key Differences

The main difference lies in the grammatical function within the clause:

• "Ce qui" is followed by a verb directly.
• "Ce que" is followed by a subject and then a verb.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

English speakers often confuse "ce qui" and "ce que" because both translate to "what" in English. Remember to identify whether the "what" is performing the action (use "ce qui") or receiving the action (use "ce que").

By mastering these phrases, you'll be able to express complex ideas more fluently in French. Practice with various sentences to reinforce your understanding of when to use each one.