Il est or c'est

Question

Not directly related to the question of when to use the subjunctive, but is it correct that you would say "c'est ennuyeux qu'il soit parti" but, on the other hand, "il est important qu'il soit parti"? If so why the difference?

Céline Pickard · Accepted Answer

Bonjour Elizabeth,
You can have 'c'est / il est + adjective + clause'. You would use 'c'est' in an informal context, whilst 'il est' is used in a more formal context.  Look the examples below for the differences:

Il est dommage que vous partiez = it is unfortunate for you to leave -> formal
C'est dommage que vous partiez = it is unfortunate that you are leaving -> informal

Il est triste que tu doives partir = It is sad for you to have to leave  -> formal
C'est triste que tu doives partir = it is sad that you have to leave    -> informal

I hope this is helpful.
Bonne journée !

Elizabeth B · Answer

Thanks, Céline. Yes, that's very helpful.

Elizabeth B · Answer

Thanks, Céline. Yes, that's very helpful.