Question 1

Why does this sentence use qui instead of que after C'est le champion?

Accepted Answer

In these emphasis structures, we use c'est ... qui when highlighting the subject of the action, and c'est ... que for the object. Here, the champion is the one doing the beating, making him the subject, so we must use qui.

Question 2

Can I just say "Le champion a battu mon frère"? What does C'est ... qui add?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can! But wrapping the subject in C'est ... qui adds strong emphasis. It changes the neutral statement "The champion beat my brother" into "It is the champion who beat my brother," pointing the spotlight directly at the champion.

Question 3

What verb does a battu come from?

Accepted Answer

It is the passé composé of battre (to beat or to defeat). It is an irregular -re verb, and its past participle is battu.

Question 4

Why do we start with C'est instead of Il est?

Accepted Answer

We use C'est because it is followed by a noun with an article (le champion). You would only use Il est if there were no article, which usually happens when stating a profession or status like an adjective.

C'est le champion qui a battu mon frère.

Breakdown of C'est le champion qui a battu mon frère.

Questions & Answers about C'est le champion qui a battu mon frère.

Learn C'est le champion qui a battu mon frère and more in French