Il 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: Il est becomes elle est, ils sont, or elles sont, as appropriate depending on the gender and number of the noun that it is replacing or modifying.
| Il est
can be followed by a(n) |
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| I. | Unmodified* noun of profession, religion, or nationality (*no article, adjective, or other modifier) | ||
| Voici mon frère - il est médecin. | This is my brother - he's a doctor. | ||
| Il est catholique. |
He's a Catholic. |
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| II. | Adjective, usually referring to a person | ||
| Tu as parlé au prof ? Est-il intelligent ? | You talked to the teacher? Is he smart? | ||
| Cette fille, elle est très gentille. |
This girl (she) is very kind. |
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| III. | Impersonal expressions - In impersonal expression, il est is more formal than c'est. | ||
| Il est bon de partir. | It's good to leave. | ||
| Il est facile de jouer au tennis. |
It's easy to play tennis (playing tennis is easy). | ||
| IV. | Prepositional phrase | ||
| Où est Luc ? Il est à la banque. | Where is Luc? He's at the bank. | ||
| Nos voisins, ils sont d'Irelande. |
Our neighbors (they) are from Ireland. |
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| V. | Adverb | ||
| Quelle heure est-il ? Il est tard. | What time is it? It's late. | ||
| Où est Jean ? Il est ici. | Where is Jean? He's here. | ||
| C'est vs Il est C'est Test |
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