Why is Ça used to begin the specific statement relating to the play?

BarrieC1Kwiziq community member

Why is Ça used to begin the specific statement relating to the play?

Ça a toujours été ma pièce de théâtre ....etc.  Bit surprised to see 'Ca' rather than 'Il a toujours etc .....' (as I answered), reasoning that this is a statement relating to a specific thing, ie, the play 'Waiting for Godot', whereas 'Ca' is used for general statements?
Asked 2 years ago
ChrisC1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor Correct answer

"Ça" is a demonstrative pronoun and means "that", so it's very specific.

JimC1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor

Hi Barrie,

"Waiting for Godot". "It has always been my favourite play by Samuel Beckett" 

I think this is a case of being "idiomatic" because the "Waiting for Godot" immediately preceded. Strictly speaking, you are correct but this is how I see it.

Jim

CélineKwiziq team member

Bonjour Barrie,

'Ça' (= cela) refers to an idea already mentioned - see link here (under 'Notions'): Ceci, Cela = That, this.

Other useful links: when to use ça/il  -  J'adore ça / Je l'adore

I hope this is helpful.

Bonne journée !

Why is Ça used to begin the specific statement relating to the play?

Ça a toujours été ma pièce de théâtre ....etc.  Bit surprised to see 'Ca' rather than 'Il a toujours etc .....' (as I answered), reasoning that this is a statement relating to a specific thing, ie, the play 'Waiting for Godot', whereas 'Ca' is used for general statements?

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