But inthe examples, “She is a good swimmer” “It is a pretty dress” &”That is the dress I wear to work” all seem specific why use C’est?

Susan H.A1Kwiziq community member

But inthe examples, “She is a good swimmer” “It is a pretty dress” &”That is the dress I wear to work” all seem specific why use C’est?

I would think it would be il or elle.  they just do not seem to be general things. The dress I wear to work is a specific dress
Asked 5 years ago
CécileKwiziq team memberCorrect answer

Hi Susan,

If you scroll down the Q&A section at the bottom of this lesson , you will see that there is quite a lot of discourse regarding when to use, c'est and il/elle est-

You cannot say in French - 'Elle est une bonne nageuse' but, 'C'est une bonne nageuse' is the only correct sentence.

It is the same for "It is a pretty dress" you cannot use  Elle here -

"C'est une jolie robe " is the only acceptable answer.

Hope this helps!

 

Paola L.A1Kwiziq community member
Why can't I say "Elle est une bonne nageuse" if I am talking about "she" (elle)? Is this just a gramatical rule? Thank you
Paola L.A1Kwiziq community member
In the video, the teacher sayed Il/elle est is used for jobs and adjectives, nageuse in this case is an adjective. Why does it is wrong? 
CécileKwiziq team member

Hi Paola,

You can also say :

Elle est bonne nageuse ( no 'une' which is never possible after - elle est ....

This is why we say :

Elle est prof d'anglais

Il est architecte

elles sont médecins 

etc...

But inthe examples, “She is a good swimmer” “It is a pretty dress” &”That is the dress I wear to work” all seem specific why use C’est?

I would think it would be il or elle.  they just do not seem to be general things. The dress I wear to work is a specific dress

Sign in to submit your answer

Don't have an account yet? Join today

Ask a question

Find your French level for FREE

Test your French to the CEFR standard

Find your French level
Clever stuff happening!