Any relation to complete/incomplete clauses?

Blake O.C1Kwiziq community member

Any relation to complete/incomplete clauses?

It seems to me that qui/ce qui are used when the following close is incomplete, and that que/ce que are used when the following close is complete. Is that true?
This question relates to:French lesson "Ce qui (vs ce que) = what/which (French Relative Pronouns)"
Asked 5 years ago
Like0Answer3
Share
Blake O.C1Kwiziq community member
Sub complete/incomplete with independent/dependent. It's been a while since I've taken middle school English!
Like05 years ago
Share
Blake O.C1Kwiziq community member
Also sub "close" for "clause." I really wish I could edit messages here!
Like05 years ago
Share
Chris W.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor

Hi Blake, I think you got it!

If the relative pronoun (qui/que) refers to an object or idea which is not meantioned in the sentence, you need ce qui/ce qui. If the target of the relative pronoun is part of the same sentence, qui/que suffices.

J'aime voir des films, qui me plaisent. -- I like to see movies, which I like (which-->movies).
J'aime voir des films, ce qui me plaît. -- I like to see movies, (a fact) which I like

Like15 years ago
Share
Blake O. asked:View original

Any relation to complete/incomplete clauses?

It seems to me that qui/ce qui are used when the following close is incomplete, and that que/ce que are used when the following close is complete. Is that true?

Sign in to submit your answer

Don't have an account yet? Join today

« Why is it that cents is plural in mille neuf cents/dix-neuf cents but not anywhere else?Why do we say "Qu'est-ce que tu en penses ? »
Ask a question

Find your French level for FREE

Test your French to the CEFR standard

Find your French level
Clever stuff happening!