Le or Ça for 'it' - Why?

Maarten K.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor

Le or Ça for 'it' - Why?


There are a number of questions/comments here on the use of "ça" for 'it' (going to the pool every week) in this exercise.  Why is < Elle adorait (ou aimait beaucoup) ça ! > correct, and why is < Elle l'adorait > not accepted? 

Thought it might be helpful to clarify further, supplementing the other discussions below. 

According to the linked lesson le/l' can only replace previously mentioned ideas etc 'introduced' under 1 of 2 conditions : either preceded by < que >, or with a verb infinitive.  Because neither of these conditions is met in the sentence in this exercise, < le or l' > cannot be used in this context. 

From this, the use of ça instead of le/l' is not related to 'aimer' or other verbs as some of the discussion suggests, but to the lack of the "preconditions" - < Il vas détester le repas ce soir ?/ Non, il vas bien l'aimer ! >

Using neuter pronouns le or l' to refer to previously mentioned ideas (French Direct Object Pronouns)%252Fsearch%253Fs%253Dle%252Bidea

Hope this helps others who come here with this question too.

Asked 3 years ago
Maarten K.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor Correct answer

Following Alan’s reply, I would modify my post but can’t edit further apparently? 

So, to add - for aimer/détester etc (verbs of “appreciation”) ça can be used to replace general ideas, and Le/l’ restricted to replace specific, tangible nouns. A 3rd precondition for these verbs.

In the exercise, a general idea is present; in my example (from real life) a specific case highlighted. 

Hopefully some of the to and fro here can be incorporated succinctly into the lessons where relevant, 

NB also that the neuter object pronoun can replace ‘ an idea ‘ that reflects a complete sentence or a principal clause that can stand alone as a sentence, as in the first 2 examples in the lesson, without the need for a preceding relative pronoun, or an infinitive form verb in the clause.

Alan G.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor

On the other hand ...

https://www.lawlessfrench.com/grammar/love-and-hate/

Maarten K.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor

Thanks Alan. Good link - the context I have heard it in, from which the example comes, falls into the specific rather than general as described by Lawless where it is noted that either Le/l’ or ça are acceptable for “it” (and used).  It is not covered in the progress lesson though, nor is that covered fully in the previous discussion as far I have seen. 

Alan G.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor

What is it you've heard from native speakers? 

Maarten K. asked:

Le or Ça for 'it' - Why?


There are a number of questions/comments here on the use of "ça" for 'it' (going to the pool every week) in this exercise.  Why is < Elle adorait (ou aimait beaucoup) ça ! > correct, and why is < Elle l'adorait > not accepted? 

Thought it might be helpful to clarify further, supplementing the other discussions below. 

According to the linked lesson le/l' can only replace previously mentioned ideas etc 'introduced' under 1 of 2 conditions : either preceded by < que >, or with a verb infinitive.  Because neither of these conditions is met in the sentence in this exercise, < le or l' > cannot be used in this context. 

From this, the use of ça instead of le/l' is not related to 'aimer' or other verbs as some of the discussion suggests, but to the lack of the "preconditions" - < Il vas détester le repas ce soir ?/ Non, il vas bien l'aimer ! >

Using neuter pronouns le or l' to refer to previously mentioned ideas (French Direct Object Pronouns)%252Fsearch%253Fs%253Dle%252Bidea

Hope this helps others who come here with this question too.

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
Clever stuff happening!