c'est + Adjective + à + Infinitive

Referring Back with C'est...a

Level 3

The structure c'est + adjective + à + infinitive is used to comment on a specific noun. The noun acts as the object of the verb at the end.

How It Works

This construction helps you become proficient in characterizing things already mentioned in conversation.

1. The Structure:
The sentence uses c'est (or a specific noun + est), an adjective of quality (like facile, difficile, bon, utile, or agréable), and the preposition à.

2. Adjective Agreement:
If you use the neutral c'est to refer back to a situation or noun, the adjective stays masculine singular (e.g., La viande, c'est bon à manger). However, if the noun itself is the subject, the adjective must agree (e.g., Cette viande est bonne à manger).

3. The Role of the Noun:
The noun being described is the 'target' of the action. In 'Ce livre est facile à lire,' the book is the thing being read. Do not add an extra pronoun like 'le' after the verb.

4. Contrast with 'Il est... de':
Do not confuse this with il est + adjective + de + infinitive. Use à when the noun comes before the adjective. Use de for impersonal statements where the action follows the adjective (e.g., 'Il est facile de lire ce livre'). Note that in casual speech, French speakers often use c'est facile de... instead of the formal il est facile de....

Examples (4)

  1. Cette question, c'est difficile à expliquer.

    This question, it's difficult to explain.

    Word by Word: This question, it is difficult to explain.

    The question is the object of the verb 'expliquer'. Note that 'difficile' remains masculine even though 'question' is feminine.

  2. Le vin rouge, c'est bon à boire avec du fromage.

    Red wine is good to drink with cheese.

    Word by Word: The wine red, it is good to drink with some cheese.

    The wine is the thing being drunk. We use 'à' because we are referring back to 'le vin rouge'.

  3. Tes clés ? C'est facile à trouver dans ce petit sac.

    Your keys? They're easy to find in this little bag.

    Word by Word: Your keys? It is easy to find in this small bag.

    Even though 'clés' is plural, 'c'est' and 'facile' are used in the singular in natural spoken French.

  4. Ce problème n'est pas simple à résoudre.

    This problem is not simple to solve.

    Word by Word: This problem is not simple to solve.

    This is a slightly more formal variation where 'ce' is replaced by the noun itself, but the 'à + infinitive' logic remains the same.

Common Mistakes

  • Using 'de' instead of 'à' when referring back to a specific noun.

    Ce livre, c'est facile de lire.
    Ce livre, c'est facile à lire.

    When the noun (le livre) is already mentioned and acts as the object of the verb (lire), you must use 'à'.

  • Adding a redundant object pronoun after the infinitive.

    Cette tarte, c'est prêt à la manger.
    Cette tarte, c'est prêt à manger.

    The subject 'c'' (referring to the tart) already represents the object. Adding 'la' is repetitive and incorrect.

  • Forgetting to agree the adjective when a specific noun is the subject.

    Cette pomme est bon à manger.
    Cette pomme est bonne à manger.

    While adjectives remain masculine singular after the neutral 'c'est', they must follow standard agreement rules if a specific noun is the subject of the sentence.

How It Connects

Tap a pattern to see what it builds on and what it leads to.

c'est + Adjective + à + InfinitiveLevel 3Referring Back with C'est...a

Learn This First

To learn this pattern, you first need to understand how 'c'est' functions as a demonstrative pronoun to refer back to a topic. You also need to be familiar with the conjugation of 'être' and the use of the preposition 'à' as a connector between an adjective and an infinitive verb.

Words in This Pattern

c'est