C'est / Il y a
C'est = it is / this is. Il y a = there is / there are. The two stay separate.
Examples
- C'est un livre.It's a book.
- Il y a un problème.There is a problem.
How it works
Two French expressions that English blurs together into "it is / there is". Keep them apart.
C'est
"it is" / "this is". Use it to identify, describe, or point at one thing:
The plural is CE SONT, not c'est — a very frequent mistake:
Il y a
"there is" / "there are". Use it for existence. One single form, singular or plural:
Il y a also means "ago" (Je suis arrivé il y a trois ans). That use, with depuis, pendant and dans, is the Time expressions lesson — not this "there is". A known person takes il est, not c'est (Il est grand), and a profession after être has no article (Elle est médecin). That contrast is the C'est or il est lesson.
Negatives and questions
Quick test
if English would say "it / this / these is/are X", use c'est or ce sont. If English would say "there is / there are X", use il y a.
What you'll practise
1. C'est X (singular)
Identify or describe one thing: C'est + singular noun phrase.
- C'est un livre.It's a book.
- C'est facile.It's easy.
2. Ce sont X (plural)
Plural of c'est is ce sont, NOT c'est.
- Ce sont des livres.These are books.
3. Il y a X (existence)
There is / there are. Same form for singular and plural.
- Il y a un problème.There is a problem.
- Il y a trois pommes.There are three apples.
Practise it until it sticks
Short drills built on these 3 skills, with instant feedback on every answer. Free to start.