Il est or c’est: how to remember when to use the right expression in French

All French learners understand the pain of French grammar and the seemingly endless rules and caveats. 

One of the most common challenges is knowing when to use ‘il est’ and ‘c’est’. 

Both phrases have the meaning “it is” or “he/she is,” but they are used in different contexts. 

However, the simple phrases are used dozens of times a day (just as you say he/she/it is in English) so it can be important to learn the correct us

Below, we cover the rules for when each one is used.

When to use ‘Il est’ / ‘elle est’

Below are the other situations when il / elle est are used in French:

Describing Someone or Something

Use il/elle est when describing someone or something with an adjective, for example: 

• Il est gentil (He is kind.)

• Il est tard (It is late.)

Professions

Use il/elle est when stating the profession of a person.

You do not use an article when using il/elle.

• Il est médecin. (He is a doctor.)

• Elle est avocate. (She is a lawyer.)

However if the profession is preceded by an article in the sentence, you must use c’est instead:

• C’est un médecin. (He’s a doctor.)

• C’est une avocate. (She’s a lawyer.)

Nationalities and Religions

Use il/elle est to describe someone’s nationality, religion, or political affiliation. This is again done without using an article.

• Il est français. (He is French.)

• Elle est bouddhiste. (She is Buddhist.)

When to Use 'C’est'

Identifying Someone or Something

Use c’est when identifying or introducing someone or something, often followed by a noun, for example: 

• C’est Marie. (It’s Marie.)

• C’est mon frère. (That’s my brother.)

• C’est une bonne idée ! (That’s a good idea!)

With Articles and Possessive Adjectives

When the description includes an article (un, une, le, la) or a possessive adjective (mon, ma, son, sa), use c’est:

• C’est un professeur. (He/She is a teacher.)

• C’est ma maison. (That’s my house.)

• C’est le problème ! (That’s the problem!)

With Pronouns

Use c’est before pronouns such as moi, toi, lui, elle, etc.

• C’est moi ! (It’s me!)

• C’est toi ? (Is that you?)

Read more: Learning French: beware of bilingual instructions