c'est used even though is expressing opinion of a known thing (and known gender)

Oscar C.A2Kwiziq community member

c'est used even though is expressing opinion of a known thing (and known gender)

"Cette pomme est bonne. - Oui, c'est bon.". 


Why is "c'est bon" used here instead of "elle est bonne", when it's expressing opinion over something specific that you know the gender of already? 

Asked 3 years ago
Chris W.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor

That's always a tricky thing to wrap your head around. The rule that general statements require ce and specific ones il/elle, is a good guideline but not a hard and fast law. Here's my attempt at an explanation:

Cette pomme est bonne. - Oui, c'est bon. Elle est vraiment très juteuse.

The first part of the reply is an idiomatic c'est bon -- it's good. The second one is a characterizing statement about that apple in particular. For that you'd use elle.

c'est used even though is expressing opinion of a known thing (and known gender)

"Cette pomme est bonne. - Oui, c'est bon.". 


Why is "c'est bon" used here instead of "elle est bonne", when it's expressing opinion over something specific that you know the gender of already? 

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
Let me take a look at that...