C’est vs Il est: The Simple Rule and Examples

“C’EST” is used to identify or introduce something or someone.
 

Often, this person or thing is introduced into the conversation by using "C’EST". We refer to him or her as "C’EST".
 

C’est mon micro.
 

“C’EST” is often followed by several specific elements. Alert! We're going to use grammatical terms. Take some paracetamol first, because you might get a headache!
 

 

“C’EST” + determiner + common noun :

“C’EST” is followed by a determiner and a common name:
 

A determinant can be : le, la, l’ / un, une, des / du, de la, de l’ / mon, ton, son, ma, ta, sa, notre, votre, leur, nos, vos, leurs, ce, cet, cette, ces
 

A determinant can also be a number: un, deux, trois, quatre, etc
 

And also: peu, quelques, beaucoup, etc.
 

For example :

C’est le père de Jules.

C’est mon chien.

C’est ce pull que tu aimes bien.

Ce sont trois livres très intéressants.

C’est beaucoup d’efforts pour rien.
 

⚠️ Small remark, "C'EST" in plural becomes "IL EST".

 

“C’EST” + proper noun :

“C’EST” can be follow by a proper noun:

C’est Noël dans quelques semaines !

Moi, c’est Manon !
 

 

“C’EST” + tonic pronoun:

“C’EST” can be follow of a tonic pronoun : moi, toi, lui, elle, nous, vous, elles ou eux.

C’est toi qui as fait ça ?

C’est vous qui apprenez le français.
 

 

“C’EST” + interrogative pronoun:

“C’EST” can be follow of an interrogative pronoun : où, quand, comment, etc.

C’est comment d’habiter en France ?

C’est quand que tu viens ?
 

 

“C’EST” + date or place:

“C’EST” also allows to indicate a date, a period or a place:

C’est aujourd’hui.

C’est jeudi.

C’est tout près de chez moi.
 

 

“C’EST” + personal opinion :

“C’EST” is also used to express a personal opinion, a personal comment. In this case, “C’EST” is followed by an adjective:

C’est joli !

C’est impressionnant !
 

⚠️ Warning: in this context, when you express an opinion with “C’EST”, we will always use the masculine singular.
 

Don't say : “C’est belle” or “Ce sont beaux”. It's a mistake.
 

 

How to use “IL EST” ?

“IL EST” is used to describe something or someone. We will use “IL EST” to detail something or someone.
 

“IL EST” + adjective :

“IL EST” will be followed by an adjective:

Il est intelligent.

Il est drôle.
 

“IL EST” can be followed by a profession, a trade:

Il est professeur.

Il est pompier.

⚠️ Don't use the article “un, une ou des” after “Il est” to indicate the profession. This is a mistake.
 

 

“C’EST” and “IL EST” are they interchangeable?

Do you “C’EST” and “IL EST” can be used interchangeably? Can I use one or the other in the same sentence?
 

Yes and no! You have to be VERY careful, because the grammatical structure will change if you use one or the other.
 

→ For example, to indicate an occupation, you can say:

Il est médecin.

or

C’est un médecin.
 

 

→ To express an opinion or describe someone or something:

Regarde la mer. Elle est belle.

La mer, c’est beau.
 

The two do not express exactly the same idea.
 

In this sentence “Regarde la mer. Elle est belle.”, I describe the sea I see, the sea is defined, I know which sea I am talking about.
 

But, in this sentence “La mer, c’est beau.”, I am making a comment about the sea in general. I don't specify which sea exactly I am talking about.
 

 

→ To express an impersonal opinion, I can use either :

Il est facile d’apprendre le français.

C’est facile d’apprendre le français.
 

BUT, using "IL EST” here, the register is more formal : Il est facile d’apprendre le français.
 

Whereas by using "C'EST" here, the register is more familiar: C’est facile d’apprendre le français.
 

It's not as simple as that!
 

 

In summary on “C’EST” and “IL EST” :

Generally,
 

“C’EST” is used to present, designate something : C’est mon micro.
 

“IL EST” is used to describe something: Il est beau, mon micro.
 

“C’EST” is usually followed by a determinant : un, une, des, le, la, les, mon, ma, etc.
 

“IL EST” is usually not followed by a determiner.
 

C’est mon frère, il est mécanicien.
 

 

I'll see you soon for new adventures, in French of course! 🇫🇷