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Hi

I've always been a bit confused as to when to use 'il est' or 'c'est' when an adjectives comes after it. 

For example, 'c'est difficile a faire' is correct, but it is it correct to use 'il est difficile de faire...'?

 

I sort of understand that a comes after c'est and de after il, however I'm looking for a general rule of thumb on this, there's nothing in my grammar book, thanks

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Hi, thanks for your reply, it was useful, but I was thinking more about the impersonal 'il' vs, 'ce., when using an adjective after for example

Sorry I missed your point.

I was not aware that ,as you suggest "a" comes after "c'est" and "de" after "il" but it does seem to make sense.

I would feel that that "rule of thumb" would be enough for my own requirements -although there may well be more to it that that.

Someone else might enlighten us....

Regarding "il est" I think the rule depends on what or who "il" is referring to.

If "il" is a person, you will use "à", if "il" is used for a general statement you will use "de":

(works for feminine and plural)

Mon dieu qu'il est long à démarrer sa mobilette. Il (n')est (pas) difficile (pourtant) de démarrer une mobilette !

My god he is so long to start his bike. It's not hard to start a bike !

For "c'est" I think the trick is in the place of the COD (the "what")

If the COD is before the verb, you will use "à", if  it's after you will use "de"

C'est éprouvant de parcourir 20 kilomètres à pied (COD)

(COD) 20 kilomètres c'est éprouvant à parcourir à pied

Une tarte, c'est facile à faire !

C'est facile de faire une tarte!

There is an exception for the "verbes d'état" with "c'est" : They will always go with "de" no matter the COD place in the sentence.

être, devenir, paraître, sembler, demeurer, rester, avoir l'air, passer pour

C'est difficile de rester éveillé en réunion.

En réunion, c'est difficile de rester éveillé.

C'est très long de devenir médecin

Médecin ? C'est très long de le devenir...

They may be other exceptions  but I don't see them right now.

I created this "rule" with my use of everyday french so it may not be perfect but at least it will give you general directions ^^

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