Question 1

Why do we use ce qui in this sentence instead of ce que?

Accepted Answer

In this structure, you use ce qui when "what" is the subject of the verb inside its clause (here, "what" is funny, so it's the subject of est amusant). You use ce que when there is a different subject. For example, if you wanted to say "what I find funny," you would say ce que je trouve amusant.

Question 2

Why do we need c'est in the middle of the sentence? Doesn't ce qui est amusant already act as the subject?

Accepted Answer

In English we just say "What is funny is...", but in French you can't just use est on its own here. When you use a ce qui or ce que phrase at the beginning of a sentence for emphasis, you must introduce the second half of the equation with c'est (or ce sont if the noun is plural).

Question 3

Why is there a le before sarcasme subtil when the English translation just says "subtle sarcasm"?

Accepted Answer

In French, general concepts and abstract nouns (like sarcasm, love, or time) almost always require a definite article (le, la, or les). In English, we typically leave the article out when talking about these concepts generally.

Question 4

Is par contre the only way to say "on the other hand"?

Accepted Answer

Par contre is a very common, everyday way to say "on the other hand" or "however." You will also frequently see en revanche, which means the exact same thing but is considered slightly more formal and elegant, especially in writing.

Par contre, ce qui est amusant, c'est le sarcasme subtil.

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