When to use celle vs. laquelle?

Rebecca L.C1Kwiziq community member

When to use celle vs. laquelle?

Why is "celle" the correct answer  to this

 "J'aime ta robe mais je préfère ________ que Laura porte," 

rather than "laquelle"?

Aren't they both pronouns identifying one among others?

Asked 6 months ago
Chris W.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor Correct answer

Celle is used because, as a pronoun, it directly replaces "robe" and works with the relative clause to specify the dress, while laquelle would imply a choice or question about a group of dresses.

Choisis laquelle tu veux. -- Choose which one you want. (from a selection of dresses)
Choisis celle que Laura porte. -- Choose that (one) which Laura is wearing. (a specific one)

The tipoff is the relative pronoun que, which follows celle. Laquelle is by itself already a relative pronoun and doesn't require que.

When to use celle vs. laquelle?

Why is "celle" the correct answer  to this

 "J'aime ta robe mais je préfère ________ que Laura porte," 

rather than "laquelle"?

Aren't they both pronouns identifying one among others?

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