Demonstrative Pronouns For Intermediate learners
What Are Demonstrative Pronouns (Les pronoms démonstratifs) in French?
Demonstrative pronouns (les pronoms démonstratifs), such as "this one," "that one," "these ones," or "those ones," are used in place of nouns to indicate specific things.
They prevent repetition and aid in differentiating between multiple similar items. Demonstrative pronouns in French match the number and gender of the noun they are used to replace.
What Is a Demonstrative Pronoun? (Pronom démonstratif)
A demonstrative pronoun replaces a noun that is already known or clearly identified in context.
J'aime cette robe, mais je préfÚre celle-ci.
I like this dress, but I prefer this one.
Here, celle-ci replaces cette robe.
Basic Forms of Demonstrative Pronouns
These forms are used when no further information follows.
Gender & Number | French | English |
|---|---|---|
Masculine singular | celui | the one |
Feminine singular | celle | the one |
Masculine plural | ceux | the ones |
Feminine plural | celles | the ones |
Ce livre est intéressant. Celui est ennuyeux.
This book is interesting. That one (the book) is boring.
The pronoun must match the noun it replaces, not the nearest word.
J'ai vu deux robes. Celles sont chĂšres.
I saw two dresses. Those ones are expensive.
These forms cannot usually stand alone. They almost always need additional information to identify what is being pointed to.
How Demonstrative Pronouns Are Used
Demonstrative pronouns are normally followed by:
-ci / -lĂ
a relative clause
a prepositional phrase (often with de)
Demonstrative Pronouns with -ci and -lĂ
To clearly distinguish this one from that one, French adds -ci (near) or -lĂ (far).
French | English |
|---|---|
celui-ci | this one |
celui-lĂ | that one |
celle-ci | this one |
celle-lĂ | that one |
ceux-ci | these ones |
ceux-lĂ | those ones |
celles-ci | these ones |
celles-lĂ | those ones |
Ce livre est intéressant. Celui-ci est intéressant.
I like this movie. This one is interesting.
J'aime ces chaussures. Celles-lĂ sont trop chĂšres.
I like these shoes. Those are too expensive.
Ces garçons sont calmes, mais ceux-là sont bruyants.
These boys are calm, but those are noisy.
Demonstrative Pronouns Followed by a Relative Clause
A demonstrative pronoun can be followed by a relative clause (usually with qui, que, dont, oĂč) to give more information.
J'aime celles que tu as choisies.
I like the ones that you chose.
This structure is very common in written and formal French.
Parmi ces étudiants, ceux qui travaillent beaucoup réussissent.
Among these students, those who work a lot succeed.
Elle a choisi celui que tu préfÚres.
She chose the one that you prefer.
Never use -ci / -lĂ before a relative clause
When a demonstrative pronoun is followed by qui, que, dont, oĂč, -ci / -lĂ is not allowed.
Celui-ci qui parle est mon ami. â â Celui qui parle est mon ami. â
Demonstrative Pronouns + Prepositional Complements
Demonstrative pronouns can be followed by de + noun or other prepositional phrases to specify meaning. This structure is very common to show possession, origin, or category.
J'aime ton style, mais je préfÚre celui de Marie.
I like your style, but I prefer Marie's.
Ces livres sont anciens, mais ceux de la bibliothĂšque sont modernes.
These books are old, but the library's are modern.
Cette solution est simple, mais celle du professeur est meilleure.
This solution is simple, but the teacher's is better.
Demonstrative Pronouns vs Demonstrative Adjectives (determiners)
It is important not to confuse demonstrative pronouns with demonstrative determiners.
Type | Function | Example |
|---|---|---|
demonstrative adjective | comes before a noun | ce livre |
demonstrative pronoun | replaces a noun | celui |
J'aime ce livre. â demonstrative adjective (determiner)
I like this book.
J'aime celui que tu lis. â demonstrative pronoun
I like the one you are reading.
Demonstrative Pronouns in Questions
Demonstrative pronouns are often used to ask for clarification or make a choice.
Lequel prĂ©fĂšres-tu ? â Celui-ci.
Which one do you prefer? â This one.
In questions, French often prefers lequel to ask "which one," while demonstrative pronouns are used in the answer.
Celles-lĂ sont Ă qui ?
Whose are those ones?
Demonstrative Pronouns in Negative Sentences
The pronoun keeps its normal position in negative sentences.
Je n'aime pas celle-lĂ .
I don't like that one.
Nous n'avons pas choisi ceux-ci.
We didn't choose these ones.
Warning!
Demonstrative pronouns replace things or abstract nouns, not people directly.
Celui parle est mon frĂšre. â â Celui qui parle est mon frĂšre. â
The one who is speaking is my brother.
(The relative clause is required.)
Comments
(0)- What Are Demonstrative Pronouns (Les pronoms démonstratifs) in French?
- What Is a Demonstrative Pronoun? (Pronom démonstratif)
- Basic Forms of Demonstrative Pronouns
- Demonstrative Pronouns vs Demonstrative Adjectives (determiners)
- Demonstrative Pronouns in Questions
- Demonstrative Pronouns in Negative Sentences
Recommended
