Il est v c'est

Rick S.C1Kwiziq community member

Il est v c'est

The exercise gives " c'était la boulangerie de Madame Poitier." I tried "Il était...." because we're discussing a specific building. (The grammar lesson on c'est & il/elle est suggests using "il/elle" for specific things). Is there some wriggle room on this one or was I just plain wrong?

Asked 2 years ago
CélineKwiziq team memberCorrect answer

Bonjour Rick,

Here is an explanation as to why 'c'est' is used:

It was Mrs Poitier's bakery = it was her bakery
  It/he/she is + [a/the/my...] + [noun/name] = C'est + [un/le/mon...] + [noun / name]

 

In the lesson, it explains the following: "If it/he/she is is followed by un/une/le/la... (any form of article / determinant) - it is a beautiful dress / she is a nice person - then you will use c'est."

I hope this is helpful.

Bonne journée !

Jim J.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor

Hi Rick,

"I pass by the new coffee shop. When I was young, it was Mrs Poitier's bakery."

I understand your point and the reference is indeed clear, but it is no longer the same business nor exactly the same frontage or presence etc.

This is why I would expect "c'était" rather than "Il était".

This is how I see it  --  hope it helps.

Jim

Il est v c'est

The exercise gives " c'était la boulangerie de Madame Poitier." I tried "Il était...." because we're discussing a specific building. (The grammar lesson on c'est & il/elle est suggests using "il/elle" for specific things). Is there some wriggle room on this one or was I just plain wrong?

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