French grammar: emploi des pronoms démonstratifs

What this grammar point covers

Demonstrative pronouns in French are words used to replace a noun that has already been mentioned or is obvious from context, to point out or identify something or someone.

When to use it

Use French demonstrative pronouns to refer back to something previously mentioned, to distinguish between things or people, or to avoid repeating a noun. They are often used with clauses or phrases that give more information.

Key forms

• celui (masculine singular)
• celle (feminine singular)
• ceux (masculine plural)
• celles (feminine plural)
• can also add -ci (here) or -là (there) for emphasis: celui-ci, celle-là, etc.

Examples

Tips

• Always match the gender and number of the demonstrative pronoun with the noun it replaces.
• Use -ci (here) and -là (there) to show proximity or distance.
• Do not confuse demonstrative pronouns (celui, celle, etc.) with demonstrative adjectives (ce, cette, ces).

Exceptions and edge cases

• Demonstrative pronouns are always used with a complement, like a relative clause or a prepositional phrase. They cannot stand alone.