"Tout ce qui/que"

Question

Is "ça" never used instead of "ce" in this context? If not, why not? Is it simply idiomatic?

Answer

Hi Harry,My understanding is that ça is a short form of cela, the demonstrative pronoun used to indicate a specific object or idea. It can't be used in the formulation ce que or ce qui. As I understand it, the difference in usage works as in the following sentences:•  Elle aime tout ce qui brille. = She likes everything that shines.•  Elle aime tout ça, qui brille. = She likes all of that, which shines / which is shining. In the second sentence, tout ça refers to some specified object(s) or idea(s). I hope this helps :)

Answer

Sounds right. Thanks, Marie.