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French Grammar

The Indefinite Relative Pronoun Structure "Ce qui" vs. "Ce que"

Q: What level is The Indefinite Relative Pronoun Structure "Ce qui" vs. "Ce que"?

This lesson is designed for B1 learners and can still help a learner revising the topic at another level.

Creating indefinite relative clauses that function as the subject or object of a sentence ("what matters" or "what I like").

Level B1 Category Grammar

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Lesson Summary

Creating indefinite relative clauses that function as the subject or object of a sentence ("what matters" or "what I like").

Grammar

"What" as a Connector

The relative pronouns qui (subject) and que (direct object) are presented in relative pronouns: qui and relative pronouns: que. When the antecedent is not a specific noun but an indefinite idea (corresponding to the English ‘what’ or ‘that which’), French uses ce qui for the subject of the subordinate clause and ce que (ce qu’ before a vowel) for its direct object.

Ce qui (Subject) vs. Ce que (Direct Object)

Function	Form	Example
Subject of the dependent verb	ce qui	Je ne sais pas ce qui se passe. (I don’t know what is happening.)
Direct object of the dependent verb	ce que (ce qu’)	Tu as vu ce qu’il a fait ? (Did you see what he did?)

Selection Criterion

The choice between ce qui and ce que depends on the role of the missing element inside the relative clause.

- If the clause already contains a subject, the indefinite element is the direct object; therefore ce que (or ce qu’) is used.
- If the clause has no expressed subject, the indefinite element serves as the subject; therefore ce qui is required.

Examples:
- Ce qui m’inquiète, c’est le changement climatique. (ce qui = subject of inquiète)
- Ce que je veux dire, c’est que le projet est urgent. (ce que = object of dire)

Position in the Sentence

The indefinite relative clause may occupy the position of subject or object in the main sentence.
- Ce qui est important, c’est la prévention. (What is important is prevention.)
- Je ne comprends pas ce que tu expliques. (I don’t understand what you are explaining.)

Examples

Ce qui est essentiel pour la santé, c'est une alimentation équilibrée.
Ce qui is the subject of est and introduces the notion of what is essential.
As‑tu compris ce que le médecin a recommandé ?
Ce que is the direct object of a recommandé; the clause already contains a subject (le médecin).

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The Indefinite Relative Pronoun Structure "Ce qui" vs. "Ce que"Creating indefinite relative clauses that function as the subject or object of a sentence ("what matters" or "what I like").Determine whether the missing element is the subject or the direct object of the subordinate clause and select ce qui or ce que accordingly.GrammarB1grammarLearn French GrammarFrench Grammar"What" as a ConnectorThe relative pronouns qui (subject) and que (direct object) are presented in relative pronouns: qui and relative pronouns: que. When the antecedent is not a specific noun but an indefinite idea (corresponding to the English ‘what’ or ‘that which’), French uses ce qui for the subject of the subordinate clause and ce que (ce qu’ before a vowel) for its direct object.