For the phrase « he only ate sweets » the was given as « il n’a que mangé… » . Why isn’t it « il n’a mangé que… »?
Ne …. que
- « Back to Q&A Forum
- « Previous questionNext question »
Hi Kerri,
You might want to have a look at my answer to a similar question posed by Chris -
Hope this helps!
Jim J. Kwiziq Q&A super contributor
Hi Kerri,
Over the last week or so there have been at least two other queries on the same issue (although different questions).
It is tricky but the meaning changes depending upon the position of the "restrictive que"
Imagine a variety of treats from which to choose to eat. If we write "Il n'a que mangé ..." the selection, the personal choice; was sweets only from the treats on offer.
However, if we write "Il n'a mangé que ..." then only sweets to eat and nothing else were available.
Hope this helps.
Jim
Don't have an account yet? Join today
Ask a question
Find your French level for FREE
Test your French to the CEFR standard
Find your French level