Word order of obect ÇA vs COI

Craig B.C1Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor

Word order of obect ÇA vs COI

I want to understand the word order of a demonstrative pronoun AS AN OBJECT (whether or not it is contracted to ça).  It was asked below, "Je l'adore" vs. "J'adore ça" but the point was missed in the answer.  when ÇA is used as an object, it seems to follow the verb, but when le, la, or lui is used, the object pronoun preceeds the verb. 
I've searched Lawless French and googled for this, but have not found anything that specifically addresses this nuance of word order. Please help!

Asked 1 year ago
Maarten K.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor Correct answer

Craig, the rule is that direct and indirect objects follow the verb, but not when replaced by a specific defined ‘object pronoun’ - those being me/te/nous/vous, (the 4 direct or indirect object pronouns); le/la/les/l’ (the ‘4’ direct object only pronouns) ; lui/leur (the 2 indirect object only pronouns). 

The adverbial pronouns, y and en, also come before the verb.

Any other pronoun that is the object of the verb, follows the standard placement rule - following the verb.

 (Not discussing the use of stylistic inversion etc here)

 

Craig B. asked:

Word order of obect ÇA vs COI

I want to understand the word order of a demonstrative pronoun AS AN OBJECT (whether or not it is contracted to ça).  It was asked below, "Je l'adore" vs. "J'adore ça" but the point was missed in the answer.  when ÇA is used as an object, it seems to follow the verb, but when le, la, or lui is used, the object pronoun preceeds the verb. 
I've searched Lawless French and googled for this, but have not found anything that specifically addresses this nuance of word order. Please help!

Sign in to submit your answer

Don't have an account yet? Join today

Ask a question

Find your French level for FREE

Test your French to the CEFR standard

Find your French level
Thinking...