"Tout ce qui/que"

H. A.C1Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor

"Tout ce qui/que"

Is "ça" never used instead of "ce" in this context? If not, why not? Is it simply idiomatic?

Asked 4 years ago
Marie F.B2 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor

Hi Harry,

My understanding is that ça is a short form of cela, the demonstrative pronoun used to indicate a specific object or idea. It can't be used in the formulation ce que or ce qui. As I understand it, the difference in usage works as in the following sentences:

•  Elle aime tout ce qui brille. = She likes everything that shines.

•  Elle aime tout ça, qui brille. = She likes all of that, which shines / which is shining.

In the second sentence, tout ça refers to some specified object(s) or idea(s).

I hope this helps :)

H. A.C1Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor

Sounds right. Thanks, Marie.

H. A. asked:

"Tout ce qui/que"

Is "ça" never used instead of "ce" in this context? If not, why not? Is it simply idiomatic?

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