Qui Or Que French Exercises

For many learners of French, understanding the difference between ‘qui’ and ‘que’ can be one of the trickier grammar challenges. These relative pronouns both mean ‘who,’ ‘whom,’ or ‘that,’ but they function differently within a sentence. Recognizing when to use ‘qui’ and when to use ‘que’ is crucial for forming grammatically correct and fluid French sentences. In this topic, we will explore practical explanations, detailed rules, and offer a variety of ‘qui or que’ French exercises that reinforce understanding and promote better fluency.

Understanding the Basics of ‘Qui’ and ‘Que’

What Is ‘Qui’ in French?

‘Qui’ is a relative pronoun used as the subject of a clause. In simple terms, it replaces the subject (person or thing) performing the action. Since ‘qui’ serves as the subject, it is always followed directly by a verb.

Examples:

• La femmequiparle est ma tante. (The womanwhois speaking is my aunt.)
• Voici le livrequiest intéressant. (Here is the bookthatis interesting.)

What Is ‘Que’ in French?

‘Que’ is also a relative pronoun, but it functions as the object of the clause. This means it refers to the person or thing receiving the action. Because ‘que’ is not the subject, it must be followed by a subject and then a verb.

Examples:

• Le livrequej’ai lu est passionnant. (The bookthatI read is fascinating.)
• La chansonquetu écoutes est populaire. (The songthatyou’re listening to is popular.)

Common Mistakes Learners Make

One of the most frequent mistakes students make is confusing whether the noun following the relative pronoun is performing the action or receiving it. Remember this simple rule:

• If the noun is doing the action → Usequi.
• If the noun is receiving the action → Useque.

Also, be aware that ‘que’ changes to ‘qu” when followed by a word that begins with a vowel or silent ‘h’. This is due to a rule in French known as elision.

Step-by-Step Method to Choose Between ‘Qui’ or ‘Que’

Step 1: Identify the two clauses

Look for the main clause and the relative clause. Relative pronouns are used to link these two parts together.

Step 2: Look at the noun being replaced

Determine if the noun being replaced is the subject (doer of the action) or the object (receiver of the action).

Step 3: Apply the rule

• If the replaced noun is the subject → Usequi.
• If the replaced noun is the object → Useque.

Interactive Qui or Que French Exercises

Exercise 1: Fill in the Blank

Choose ‘qui’ or ‘que’ for each sentence.

1. Le garçon joue au football est mon frère.
2. La voiture tu conduis est rouge.
3. J’ai un ami habite à Paris.
4. Le livre elle lit est très long.
5. La femme arrive porte une robe bleue.

Answers:

1. qui
2. que
3. qui
4. que
5. qui

Exercise 2: Sentence Transformation

Combine the two sentences using ‘qui’ or ‘que’.

1. J’ai un chien. Il est très intelligent.
2. Voici une chanson. Tu aimes cette chanson.
3. Nous connaissons une fille. Elle parle espagnol.
4. Tu as vu le film. Il a gagné un prix.
5. Il y a un professeur. Nous respectons ce professeur.

Suggested Answers:

1. J’ai un chienquiest très intelligent.
2. Voici une chansonquetu aimes.
3. Nous connaissons une fillequiparle espagnol.
4. Tu as vu le filmquia gagné un prix.
5. Il y a un professeurquenous respectons.

Tips to Master ‘Qui’ and ‘Que’

• Practice with short sentences before moving to complex ones.
• Try translating from English to French and vice versa.
• Highlight the subject and the object in each clause to determine the correct pronoun.
• Repeat sentences aloud to develop fluency and instinct.
• Use flashcards with examples of both ‘qui’ and ‘que’ to reinforce understanding.

Using ‘Qui’ and ‘Que’ in Spoken French

In conversational French, relative pronouns like ‘qui’ and ‘que’ are used naturally and frequently. It’s common to hear native speakers using them in storytelling, descriptions, or explanations. Understanding how to listen for these pronouns in natural speech helps learners apply them in their own dialogue more confidently.

Example in Conversation:

• A: Tu connais l’hommequitravaille à la boulangerie?
• B: Oui! C’est l’hommequej’ai rencontré hier.

This kind of back-and-forth is a natural example of both ‘qui’ and ‘que’ in use within just a few lines of dialogue.

Advanced Practice: Longer Sentences

Once learners are comfortable with basic structures, they can try using ‘qui’ and ‘que’ in more complex sentences with multiple clauses.

Example: La femmequitravaille dans l’écolequemon frère a fréquentée est très gentille.

(The womanwhoworks in the schoolthatmy brother attended is very kind.)

This kind of sentence shows how both pronouns can be used together, reinforcing the importance of identifying subject vs. object roles clearly.

Building Confidence with ‘Qui’ and ‘Que’

Learning when to use ‘qui’ and ‘que’ may seem challenging at first, but with repeated exposure, clear explanation, and structured practice, it becomes much more manageable. Through exercises, sentence transformation, and regular use in writing or speaking, learners can quickly grasp this fundamental aspect of French grammar. Understanding the difference between ‘qui’ as the subject and ‘que’ as the object lays a strong foundation for building more complex, fluent, and accurate French sentences. Practice consistently and don’t be afraid to make mistakes they are a necessary step toward mastery.