The use of "It"

[andyh01]

Hi,

I've been self learning French for about six months now, mainly from Tapes/CDs. Something that I have found quite confusing is how to use the word "it" in the following context.

eg "Il/Elle" or "ca" (Il est or c'est)

I'm guessing this is to do with whether or not you are referiing to a specific person/object, but there has been occasions when this has not been the case.

Thanks,

Andy

 

[Aupick]

Rough (and ready) guide to it

A it = something specific (person or object or idea or...)
A1 it is + adjective = il/elle est
> J'aime ma femme. Elle est très belle et très intelligente.
. (Elle refers to ma femme, a person)

A2 it is + noun = c'est
> J'aime ma femme. C'est une femme extraordinaire.
. (C' refers to ma femme, a person)

B it = a whole clause
B1 it anticipates a clause that hasn't been mentioned yet = il est
> il est très important de s'amuser dans la vie
. (il refers to s'amuser dans la vie)

B2 it refers back to a clause that has recently been mentioned
> Je lis beaucoup. C'est très important pour moi.
. (c' refers to Je lis beaucoup)

 

[la grive solitaire]

Hi andyh01, welcome to the WR forums. There's a good explanation of c'est/il est here

 

[andyh01]

Thanks for the explanations. This unfortunately now means my thinking time will be even longer. I guess it comes naturally in time.