quoi que / quoique

Whatever Versus Although

Level 6

Quoique (one word) = Although / Even though.
Quoi que (two words) = Whatever / No matter what.

How It Works

To distinguish these two advanced forms, look at their grammatical function and use the Replacement Test:

1. Quoique (Conjunction):
It is a synonym for bien que. It introduces a fact that exists despite an obstacle. It can also be followed directly by an adjective or past participle (e.g., quoique fatigué).
Elision rule: The phrase quoi que always elides before any vowel or mute h (e.g., quoi qu'il en soit). For the conjunction quoique, traditional grammar states it only elides before a strict list of words (il, ils, elle, elles, on, un, une, and sometimes en or ainsi), but modern usage allows generalized elision before any vowel or mute h.

  • Quoiqu'il soit tard, il continue de lire. (Although it is late, he continues to read.)

2. Quoi que (Indefinite Pronoun Phrase):
It means 'whatever' and is always followed by the subjunctive. It functions as the object of the following verb or the attribute of the subject. It is often found in fixed expressions like quoi qu'il en soit (be that as it may) or quoi que ce soit (anything/whatever it may be).

  • Quoi que tu fasses, je te soutiendrai. (Whatever you do, I will support you.)

The Replacement Test:
If you can replace it with bien que, write quoique (one word). If you can replace it with peu importe ce que or quelle que soit la chose que, write quoi que (two words).

Note on Mood and Usage: While the subjunctive is standard for concession, quoique can be followed by the indicative to express a direct objection or factual contrast. Additionally, quoique can be used as a detached adverb (often set off by a comma) meaning 'and yet' or 'but then again' as an afterthought.

Examples (5)

  1. Quoiqu'il soit malade, il est venu travailler.

    Although he is sick, he came to work.

    Word by Word: Although that he be sick, he is come to work.

    Here, 'quoique' is one word because it means 'although'. It triggers the subjunctive 'soit'.

  2. Quoi que tu dises, je ne changerai pas d'avis.

    Whatever you say, I won't change my mind.

    Word by Word: What that you say (subj.), I not will change not of opinion.

    'Quoi que' is two words here because it means 'whatever'. It acts as the object of the verb 'dises'.

  3. Il a accepté le défi, quoique avec beaucoup d'hésitation.

    He accepted the challenge, albeit with much hesitation.

    Word by Word: He has accepted the challenge, although with much of hesitation.

    This shows 'quoique' used to introduce a reservation without a full clause.

  4. Je ne veux pas manger quoi que ce soit.

    I don't want to eat anything at all.

    Word by Word: I not want not to eat what that it be (subj.).

    'Quoi que ce soit' is a very common fixed phrase meaning 'anything' or 'whatever it may be'.

  5. Quoique fatiguée, elle a terminé son livre.

    Although tired, she finished her book.

    Word by Word: Although tired, she has finished her book.

    'Quoique' can be followed directly by an adjective or past participle without needing a full verb clause. This is a standard construction in everyday French.

Common Mistakes

  • Using 'quoique' (one word) for 'whatever happens'.

    Quoiqu'il arrive, je serai là.
    Quoi qu'il arrive, je serai là.

    In the sense of 'whatever happens', you need the two-word relative pronoun 'quoi que'.

  • Using the indicative mood after 'quoi que'.

    Quoi que tu fais, fais-le bien.
    Quoi que tu fasses, fais-le bien.

    'Quoi que' always requires the subjunctive mood in standard French.

Words in This Pattern

quoi quequoique