ça vs celui/celle-là

Question

In this lesson why was ça preferred over celui-là? 
Thanks - Nora

Cécile Janty-Davies · Accepted Answer

Hi Nora,
Celui/Celle-là mean 'that one ' ,  when you are comparing two things and highlight one of them.
Ça is the contraction of Cela meaning simply (this or) that.
Just different pronouns for different situations...
Hope that helps!  ( J'espère que ça vous aidera!)

Ron Thomas · Answer

Bonsoir Nora,
Since I do not have the precise question referred to, this may be a bit of a guess.
The definitive pronoun «ça» translates as «that, it» ; however, «celui-là» translates to «that one».
Depending on the phrase in question it would be two different senses to the phrase.

Jim Jones · Answer

Hi Nora,
It will be a matter of context.
Ça (informal) / Cela (formal)   --  impersonal pronoun
Celui / celle-là  --  demonstrative pronoun
The choice depends upon the context and to what is being referred in the sentence.
Regards,
Alan ( Non-native speaker)