Ne …. que

Question

For the phrase « he only ate sweets » the  was given as « il n’a que mangé… » . Why isn’t it « il n’a mangé que… »?

Accepted Answer

Hi Kerri, 
You might want to have a look at my answer to a similar question posed by Chris -
https://french.kwiziq.com/questions/view/what-is-the-meaning-of-aurelie-n-est-qu-allee-au-marche-1
Hope this helps!

Answer

Hi Kerri,
Over the last week or so there have been at least two other queries on the same issue (although different questions).
It is tricky but the meaning changes depending upon the position of the "restrictive que"
Imagine a variety of treats from which to choose to eat. If we write "Il n'a que mangé ..." the selection, the personal choice; was sweets only from the treats on offer.
However, if we write "Il n'a mangé que ..." then only sweets to eat and nothing else were available.
Hope this helps.
Jim

Answer

Thanks Jim, that’s a really clear explanation. Much appreciated.