Il est v c'est

Question

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?

Accepted 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 !

Answer

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