Personal pronouns - Disjunctive pronouns

1 Definition

Disjunctive pronouns are pronouns that do not stand directly with the verb as its subject or object . They are:

2 Use

Disjunctive pronouns are used:

2.1 After prepositions

After most prepositions and the conjunction comme, to replace nouns referring to both people and things:

Pour un ancien soldat comme lui, ce n'est pas un problème

For a former soldier like him, it's not a problem

Ma carte de crédit? Je ne sors jamais sans elle

My credit card? I never leave home without it!

2.2 Emphasis

When a pronoun is emphasized or contrasted:

Moi, je n'en sais rien

I don't know anything

Non, c'est ton avis à toi

No, that's your opinion

Il ne fait rien, lui

He doesn't do anything

Vous êtes à une extrémité de la maison, eux à l'autre

You're at one end of the house, they're at the other

2.3 Before aussi or seul

When a pronoun is followed by aussi or seul:

Moi aussi, je les ai vus

I saw them as well

Lui seul le savait

He alone knew

2.4 Pronoun on its own

When a pronoun is the only word in a sentence:

Qui a parlé? - Moi

Who spoke? Me

2.5 With et, où or ni

When a pronoun is used with et, où or ni:

Pierre et moi avons décidé d'acheter une nouvelle voiture

Pierre and I have decided to buy a new car

2.6 After il y a or c'est

When a pronoun is used after il y a or c'est:

Il n'y a que moi dans la salle

There's only me in the room

C'est moi

It's me

Ce n'est pas eux qu'il cherche

It's not them he's looking for