French Grammar: "ce qui" vs "ce que"

French relative pronouns "ce qui" and "ce que" can be tricky for English speakers. Let's break down their usage with simple explanations and examples.

"Ce qui" vs "Ce que": The Basics

• "Ce qui" is used when the relative pronoun is the subject of the clause.
• "Ce que" is used when the relative pronoun is the object of the clause.

Using "Ce qui"

"Ce qui" typically translates to "what" or "that which" when it's the subject of a clause.

Example:

• 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.)

Using "Ce que"

"Ce que" is used when it's the object of a verb in the relative clause.

Example:

• Je ne comprends pas ce que tu dis. (I don't understand what you're saying.)
• Ce que je veux, c'est du café. (What I want is coffee.)

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Don't confuse "ce qui" with "qui" (who):

   • Incorrect: La personne ce qui parle.
   • Correct: La personne qui parle. (The person who is speaking.)

2. Don't mix up "ce que" and "que":

   • Incorrect: Le livre ce que je lis.
   • Correct: Le livre que je lis. (The book that I'm reading.)

Remember, "ce qui" and "ce que" refer to ideas or concepts, not specific nouns. They're invaluable for expressing complex thoughts in French, so practice using them in your conversations!