I want to understand the word order of a demonstrative pronoun AS AN OBJECT (whether or not it is contracted to ça). It was asked below, "Je l'adore" vs. "J'adore ça" but the point was missed in the answer. when ÇA is used as an object, it seems to follow the verb, but when le, la, or lui is used, the object pronoun preceeds the verb.
I've searched Lawless French and googled for this, but have not found anything that specifically addresses this nuance of word order. Please help!
Word order of obect ÇA vs COI
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Craig B.Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor
Word order of obect ÇA vs COI
This question relates to:French lesson "Ça = that/this/it (French Demonstrative Pronouns)"
Asked 1 year ago
Craig, the rule is that direct and indirect objects follow the verb, but not when replaced by a specific defined ‘object pronoun’ - those being me/te/nous/vous, (the 4 direct or indirect object pronouns); le/la/les/l’ (the ‘4’ direct object only pronouns) ; lui/leur (the 2 indirect object only pronouns).
The adverbial pronouns, y and en, also come before the verb.
Any other pronoun that is the object of the verb, follows the standard placement rule - following the verb.
(Not discussing the use of stylistic inversion etc here)
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