qui/que

Question

This is based upon previous tests. In one, the correct answer is given as "Ce qui me touche,c'est son pauvrete." In another test, the answer is said to be "Ce que je trouve angoissant, c'est son mode de vie." These seem to me to be very similar but in one there is "ce qui" and in the other, "ce que" I thought I understood this issue but the difference between these questions makes me a bit confused. Could you possibly take the time to explain why they are different from one another? It may take more than a referral back to the lesson. Thank you!

Accepted Answer

Hi Carol,
Ce qui me touche, c'est sa pauvreté = What affects me is his/her poverty 
in this case, ce qui is the subject of the verb toucher.
Ce que je trouve angoissant, c'est son mode de vie = What I find distressing is his/her way of life 
in this case ce que is the object of the verb trouver.
Hope this helps!

Answer

Object pronoun - me- following in first example, requires «qui» (as would a reflexive pronoun or verb following); subject pronoun -je - following in 2nd example requires «que» (as would a Noun/proper name). The first translates as "What touches me. . . ", the second as "What I find . . ". An easy way therefore is to think of the word to follow - if  a subject pronoun/Noun/proper name - use «que», whether in «ce que», or as «que» alone. The double check is whether the following is verb/object pronoun or reflexive pronoun, which need «qui» or «ce qui» Hope this helps.

Answer

It appears clearer now since I've read your explanation.  The proof of the pudding, however, will be how I do with such questions in the future.  Thank you for explaining it as you have!  Merci beaucoup!