Difference between revisions of "Language/French/Grammar/How-to-use-«-il-s'agit-de-»-in-French"
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==Definition: Impersonal Form== | ==Definition: Impersonal Form== | ||
In French, an impersonal sentence | In French, an impersonal sentence is characterized by its use of the impersonal pronoun "il." This form is used to make general statements or to talk about the weather, time, and other situations where the subject is not a specific person or thing. Here are the key features of an impersonal sentence in French: | ||
1. **Use of "il" as the Subject**: The subject of the sentence is always the impersonal pronoun "il." Unlike its use as a personal pronoun, here "il" does not refer to a male person or an animate object but is used in a general sense. | |||
2. **Subject Represents a General Idea or Situation**: In an impersonal sentence, "il" does not represent a specific person, place, or thing. Instead, it is used to express a general idea, condition, or situation. For example, "Il pleut" (It's raining) uses "il" to refer to the general condition of weather. | |||
3. **Common in Expressions About Time and Weather**: Impersonal forms are frequently used to talk about the weather ("Il fait chaud"), time ("Il est tard"), and other situations where the subject is non-specific. | |||
4. **Use in Expressions of Necessity or Possibility**: The impersonal form is also used in expressions of necessity or possibility, such as "Il faut" (one must, it is necessary) and "Il se peut" (it may be). | |||
5. **"Il s'agit de" as an Impersonal Expression**: The phrase "il s'agit de" is a classic example of an impersonal form in French. It is used to indicate the subject matter or to talk about what something involves or is about. The phrase can introduce a noun, an infinitive verb, or a clause but always retains its impersonal nature. | |||
== Only Used Impersonally== | == Only Used Impersonally== |
Revision as of 23:27, 14 November 2023
In the diverse landscape of French grammar, the expression « il s'agit de » holds a unique place. This lesson aims to demystify the usage of this distinctively impersonal phrase, crucial for conveying notions about subjects, activities, or concepts in French. Whether you're a beginner or advancing your skills, understanding « il s'agit de » is key to enhancing your fluency in French. We'll explore its definition, proper usage, common mistakes, and provide practical examples to solidify your understanding. Let's dive into the nuances of this expression and how it elegantly encapsulates the essence of a subject or action in French discourse.
Definition: Impersonal Form
In French, an impersonal sentence is characterized by its use of the impersonal pronoun "il." This form is used to make general statements or to talk about the weather, time, and other situations where the subject is not a specific person or thing. Here are the key features of an impersonal sentence in French:
1. **Use of "il" as the Subject**: The subject of the sentence is always the impersonal pronoun "il." Unlike its use as a personal pronoun, here "il" does not refer to a male person or an animate object but is used in a general sense.
2. **Subject Represents a General Idea or Situation**: In an impersonal sentence, "il" does not represent a specific person, place, or thing. Instead, it is used to express a general idea, condition, or situation. For example, "Il pleut" (It's raining) uses "il" to refer to the general condition of weather.
3. **Common in Expressions About Time and Weather**: Impersonal forms are frequently used to talk about the weather ("Il fait chaud"), time ("Il est tard"), and other situations where the subject is non-specific.
4. **Use in Expressions of Necessity or Possibility**: The impersonal form is also used in expressions of necessity or possibility, such as "Il faut" (one must, it is necessary) and "Il se peut" (it may be).
5. **"Il s'agit de" as an Impersonal Expression**: The phrase "il s'agit de" is a classic example of an impersonal form in French. It is used to indicate the subject matter or to talk about what something involves or is about. The phrase can introduce a noun, an infinitive verb, or a clause but always retains its impersonal nature.
Only Used Impersonally
The phrase “il s'agit de” is uniquely impersonal in its usage.
This phrase can be followed by a noun, an infinitive verb, or, though less commonly, a clause. English speakers often try to use it with a personal subject, such as "ce livre s'agit de...," which is incorrect in French.
Examples
- Il s'agit de votre mère
It's about your mother
- Il s'agit de faire ce qui vous plaît dans la vie
You have to do what pleases you / It's about doing what pleases you in life
- Il s'agit de persuader votre sœur
It is a matter of persuading your sister / It's about persuading your sister
- Il s'agissait de vous faire voir les choses de manière plus objective
It was an attempt to make you see things more objectively / It was about making you see things more objectively
- Tout au long du déroulement de ce projet, il s'est agi de travailler de manière acharnée
Throughout the course of this project, it was about working hard
- Il ne s'agit pas que vous preniez l'entière responsabilité sur vous et votre famille
It's not about you taking full responsibility for yourself and your family
- Il ne s'agit pas de prendre du retard sur la journée
We'd better not get behind schedule today / It's not about falling behind today
Expanded Usage
"Il s'agit de" can also be used in more complex sentences and in different tenses. It's useful for summarizing the essence or main point of a discussion, story, or argument.
- Il s'agira de prendre une décision importante.
It will be about making an important decision.
Video - How to use "il s'agit de..."
In this French lesson, you will learn how to use the expression "il s'agit de" in French.
Other Chapters
Videos
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- Ordinal numbers as fractions
- Relative Clause
- Intransitive verbs and auxiliary “être”
- Location of adverbs modifying sentences
- Easy future
- How to use “et” in cardinal numbers
- Well Better Worse
- Adverbs ending in —(é)ment derived from past participles
- Gender
- « d'autres » VS « des autres »
- Adjectives