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?
Il est v c'est
- « Back to Q&A Forum
- « Previous questionNext question »
Rick S.Kwiziq community member
Il est v c'est
Asked 3 years ago
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. 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
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