French grammar: emploi des tournures emphatiques

What this grammar point covers

Emphatic constructions in French are ways to highlight or emphasize a specific part of a sentence. The most common structure is 'c'est... qui/que', used to put focus on a subject, object, or other element.

When to use it

Use emphatic constructions in French when you want to highlight who did something, what was done, when, or where. They are often used to clarify, correct, or stress information in a sentence.

Key forms

• C'est + [element] + qui + [verb] (to emphasize the subject)
• C'est + [element] + que + [verb] (to emphasize the object or other elements)

Examples

Tips

• Use 'qui' after 'c'est' when emphasizing the subject of the verb.
• Use 'que' after 'c'est' when emphasizing the object or other elements.
• Do not use this structure with verbs in the imperative or with all verbs (it works best with verbs that have a clear subject or object).

Exceptions and edge cases

• When the emphasized element is a person and the object, use 'que' (not 'qui'): C'est Marie que j'ai vue.
• With inversion (questions), the structure changes: Est-ce Paul qui vient ?