Demonstrative Pronouns in French

Demonstrative pronouns are used to replace a noun and point it out clearly without repeating it.

Using « -ci » and « -là »

The suffixes « -ci » and « -là » specify proximity or distance.

Ceci, Cela, Ça

« Ceci », « cela », and « ça » are neutral demonstrative pronouns used to refer to ideas, actions, or entire situations.

Core Principle

A demonstrative pronoun agrees in gender and number with the noun it replaces and never appears directly before a noun.

Agreement Rules

Demonstrative pronouns must agree with the noun they replace, not with the noun that follows.

• ceci = this (formal, near)
• cela = that (formal)
• ça = that / this (informal)

Common Mistakes

• Using a demonstrative pronoun directly before a noun
• Forgetting to complete the pronoun
• Confusing demonstrative adjectives with pronouns
• Using the wrong gender or number

• Gender and number agreement is mandatory
• Agreement is based on the replaced noun
• Past participles agree when required by grammar rules

• Relative clause (qui, que, dont, où)
• Preposition + noun
• Suffixes -ci or -là

Mandatory Completion Rule

Demonstrative pronouns must be completed by additional information. They cannot stand alone.

• celui = masculine singular
• celle = feminine singular
• ceux = masculine plural
• celles = feminine plural

What Are Demonstrative Pronouns?

Demonstrative pronouns replace a previously mentioned noun and indicate which one is being referred to. They correspond to English forms like “this one,” “that one,” “these,” and “those.”

• Ceci est important.
• Cela me semble étrange.
• Ça va ?

Example Sentences

Main Demonstrative Pronouns

Completion with a Relative Clause

Completion with a Preposition

• Celui qui parle est mon ami.
• Celle que j’ai choisie est chère.
• Ceux dont elle parle sont absents.

• Celui de mon frère
• Celle à côté de la fenêtre
• Ceux en plastique