c'est vs. il est

ToddB1Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor

c'est vs. il est

I know il/elle are pronouns - which stands in for a noun. So, if you are referring to a specific noun, then you use the pronoun: "où est mon frère? Il est dans sa chambre."  However, "ce" is a demonstrative adjective. Maybe, c'est is an abbreviated way of saying "this thing/person is... So "C'est mon frère" is like saying "This (person) is my brother." I don't know if this way of thinking will work for all examples, but I hope I am on the right track. 

Asked 3 years ago
CécileKwiziq team memberCorrect answer

I like your logic,  Todd, and thank you for sharing it with us as it is a difficult concept to convey to learners. 

He is ( this person) is  my brother = C’est mon frère 

It’s (this is) my computer = C’est mon ordinateur 

Bonne continuation! 

JimC1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor

Try this link    https://www.lawlessfrench.com/grammar/cest-vs-il-est/

It should help you to understand from an expert.

c'est vs. il est

I know il/elle are pronouns - which stands in for a noun. So, if you are referring to a specific noun, then you use the pronoun: "où est mon frère? Il est dans sa chambre."  However, "ce" is a demonstrative adjective. Maybe, c'est is an abbreviated way of saying "this thing/person is... So "C'est mon frère" is like saying "This (person) is my brother." I don't know if this way of thinking will work for all examples, but I hope I am on the right track. 

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