Celebrate the holidays! Save 20% on annual and biennial Premium »
  • French»
  • French Q&A»
  • I thought that "Faire mes devoirs ou dormir, je préfère ceci plutôt que cela." meant "I prefer the latter (dormir) rather than the former (devoirs)"

I thought that "Faire mes devoirs ou dormir, je préfère ceci plutôt que cela." meant "I prefer the latter (dormir) rather than the former (devoirs)"

S. M.C1Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor

I thought that "Faire mes devoirs ou dormir, je préfère ceci plutôt que cela." meant "I prefer the latter (dormir) rather than the former (devoirs)"

But the Note says that ceci means former and cela means latter.  Which is correct?

This question relates to:French lesson "Ceci/Cela = this/that (French Demonstrative Pronouns)"
Asked 5 years ago
Like0Answer3
Share
Claire S.A1Kwiziq community member

Yeah, I could have sworn that ceci was the latter and cela was the former. 

Like05 years ago
Share
S. M.C1Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor

If we are correct, then the Lesson is incorrect and should be changed.  If we are incorrect, then some textbooks need to be changed!

Like05 years ago
Share
Diego B.B1Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor

It is the other way round, indeed: cela (former) / ceci (latter). Same as with -ci / -la in https://progress.lawlessfrench.com/revision/glossary/pronoun-type/pronoms-demonstratifs-demonstrative-pronouns. It definitely makes sense, the former being "further" than the latter somehow.

Like04 years ago
Share
S. M. asked:

I thought that "Faire mes devoirs ou dormir, je préfère ceci plutôt que cela." meant "I prefer the latter (dormir) rather than the former (devoirs)"

But the Note says that ceci means former and cela means latter.  Which is correct?

Sign in to submit your answer

Don't have an account yet? Join today

« Que veut dire le mot "noirmoutrins"? Je n'ai pas pu le trouver dans le dictionnaire.Use of 's'intéresser à' »
Ask a question

Find your French level for FREE

Test your French to the CEFR standard

Find your French level
Thinking...