Language/French/Grammar/Demonstrative-pronouns
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Demonstrative pronouns
TABLE Summary table of demonstrative pronouns
Use of Demonstrative Pronouns
Demonstrative pronouns are used where English uses 'the one'. They agree in gender with the noun they refer to:
- Sur ce mur nous voyons deux portraits. Celui qui est à droite représente le premier propriétaire de la maison
On this wall we see two portraits. The one on the right is of the first owner of the house
- Nous avons acheté trois propriétés en Dordogne. Celle qui est près de Bergerac sera revendue la première
We have bought three properties in the Dordogne. The one near Bergerac will be resold first
Demonstrative pronouns are used particularly frequently to 'head' relative clauses:
- Ceux qui m'écoutent ce soir sauront que je n'ai rien à cacher
Those who are listening to me tonight will know that I have nothing to hide
- Je ne peux rien faire pour vous: il faut vous adresser à celui qui est responsable de l'administration
I can do nothing for you: you must talk to the person who is responsible for administration