When debating ethics or discussing moral dilemmas, you often need to refer to complex arguments, entire statements, or abstract ideas. To do this clearly, French uses the neutral demonstrative pronouns ceci (this) and cela (that).
Unlike pronouns that replace specific gendered nouns (like celui or celle), ceci and cela are neutral and replace whole concepts or situations. While in casual speech they are often both replaced by ça, using ceci and cela is essential for structuring formal, cohesive arguments.
Pointing forward: Ceci
Use ceci (this) to draw attention to something you are about to say. It points forward, introducing a new statement, rule, or fact.
| Listen to this: either we respect the principle, or we create a dilemma. | Écoutez ceci : soit on respecte le principe, soit on crée un dilemme. |
| Know this: a conviction is not always legitimate. | Sachez ceci : une conviction n'est pas toujours légitime. |
| I state this: this compromise is unacceptable. | J'affirme ceci : ce compromis est inacceptable. |
Referring backward: Cela
Use cela (that) to refer back to an idea, situation, or argument that has already been mentioned. It points backward, summarizing a previous thought so you can pass judgment on it or draw a conclusion.
| This is a dilemma, and consequently that is unacceptable. | C'est un dilemme, et par conséquent cela est inacceptable. |
| He lied, which is why we judged that unacceptable. | Il a menti, c'est pourquoi nous avons jugé cela inacceptable. |
| His conviction is strong, that explains the judgment. | Sa conviction est forte, cela explique le jugement. |
Contrasting Ceci and Cela
You can use ceci and cela together in the same sentence to contrast two different ideas or propositions. In this context, ceci refers to the closer idea ("this right here"), and cela refers to the further one ("that over there").
| This is justified, but that is unacceptable. | Ceci est justifié, mais cela est inacceptable. |
| This is a fact, whereas that is a legitimate judgment. | Ceci est un fait, alors que cela est un jugement légitime. |