C'est - French Expression

C'est vs Il est | C'est | Il est | Test: C'est vs Il est

Despite their similar meanings, the expressions c'est and il est are not interchangeable - there are rules for using each one.

Note: When followed by a plural noun, c'est is supposed to become ce sont, but in spoken French c'est is often used.

C'est is used with
I.	Modified nouns (article and/or adjective + noun)
	Tu vois cet homme-là ? C'est mon père.	You see that man? That's my father.
	C'est la vie !	That's life!
	C'est une très bonne idée.	It's a very good idea.
	C'est une vraie histoire.	It's a true story.
II.	Adjectives that describe the general situation or something already mentioned or implied in the conversation
	- Tu as vu ce film ?  - Oui, c'est incroyable !	- Have you seen this movie?  - Yes, it's incredible!
	C'est complètement fou !	That's utterly insane!
III.	Impersonal expressions -In impersonal expressions, c'est is less formal than il est.
	C'est important à faire.	It's important to do.
	C'est difficile à comprendre.	It's hard to understand.
IV.	Names
	Qui est-ce ? C'est Luc.	Who is it/that? It's Luc.
	C'est Pierre qui a menti.	Pierre is the one who lied.
V.	Stressed pronouns (accent tonique) - note that the verb conjugates to the pronoun, not c'est (learn more)
	C'est moi qui t'ai dit la verité.	I'm the one who told you the truth.
	C'est nous qui avons décidé.	We're the ones who decided.
VI.	Modified adverbs
	C'est trop tard.	It's too late.
	C'est par ici.	It's over here.
	C'est très loin.	It's very far.

  

C'est vs Il est    Il est    Test Impersonal Expressions Demonstrative adjectives (ce, cet, cette, ces) More confusing pairs     French Expressions Grammar Glossary     French Grammar Lessons

  

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