Differences between «C'est» and «Il est» in French

When to use "C'est" and "Il est"?

One of the most important differences in mastering French is knowing when to use "That's it" y "It is" (or its plural forms "This is" y "They are"). Although both translate as "es" in Spanish, they have different rules of use that depend on the context and the type of information being communicated.

Communicative objectives

The correct use of "That's it" y "It is" allows students to:

• Present people and objects accurately.

• Describe personal and professional characteristics.

• Talk about nationalities, professions, and relationships clearly.

Grammatical and lexical objective

• It is / This is It is mainly used with:

  • Defined articles: This is the prof. / These are friends.

  • Undefined articles: It's a person. / These are the lies.

  • Possessive pronouns: This is my dad. / These are our friends.

  • Own names: It's Sophie.

• He/She is / They are It is mainly used with:

  • Adjectives: He is beautiful. / She is beautiful. / They are kind.

  • Careers: He is an artist. / She is a student. / They are photographs.

  • Nationalities: It is Russian. / She is Colombian. / They are Moroccans.

Practical examples with answers

1. Use of It is for identities and relationships:

   • This is my father. (my father)

   • She is the teacher. (the teacher)

   • It is a magnificent city. (a magnificent city)

2. Use of Those are for plural presentations:

   • These are my friends. (my friends)

   • These are students. (of students)

   • These are our colleagues. (our colleagues)

3. Use of She/He is for personal descriptions:

   • He is nice. (gentile)

   • She is intelligent. (intelligent)

   • They are happy. (happy)

4. Use of They are for groups:

   • They are French. (French)

   • They are Spanish. (Spanish)

   • They are students. (students)

5. Mixed use in complex sentences:

   • C'est un bon ami. Il est gentile.

   • Ce sont des médecins. Ils sont compétents.

   • C'est une artiste. She is creative.