C'est vs il est

Wendy H.C1Kwiziq community member

C'est vs il est

I understand that the general rule of thumb is to use "c'est" when followed by a noun (even when qualified by an adjective) and "il / elle est" when followed by an adjective - so why is it "C'est nuageux" rather than Il est nuageux."  Is it to do with 'the weather' being inanimate and non specific? Or something else?

Asked 4 years ago
CécileKwiziq team memberCorrect answer

Hi Wendy, 

If I have understood your query correctly you could say both: 

C'est nuageux 

or

Il fait nuageux 

for,

It's cloudy

You have to use the weather verb 'faire' not être in the second case.

Hope this helps!

C'est vs il est

I understand that the general rule of thumb is to use "c'est" when followed by a noun (even when qualified by an adjective) and "il / elle est" when followed by an adjective - so why is it "C'est nuageux" rather than Il est nuageux."  Is it to do with 'the weather' being inanimate and non specific? Or something else?

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