All grammar

In short

"This/that/these/those" is ce (masculine), cet (masculine before a vowel or silent h), cette (feminine), ces (all plurals). It replaces the article. Add -ci or -là after the noun to contrast "this" and "that": ce pull-là. Useful set phrases: ce matin, ce soir, ce week-end.

Grammar

Demonstratives ce, cette, ces

To say 'this', 'that', 'these' or 'those', French has four forms of one word: ce (masculine singular: ce manteau), cet (masculine singular before a vowel or silent h: cet ordinateur, cet hôtel), cette (feminine singular: cette veste) and ces (all plurals: ces chaussures). They replace the article and agree with the noun.

French does not distinguish 'this' from 'that' by itself. If you need to, add -ci (here) or -là (there) after the noun: ce pull-ci (this jumper), ce pull-là (that jumper). In everyday speech, -là is often used for both.

The classic mistake is to use ce with a feminine noun (ce veste) or before a vowel (ce ordinateur). Look at the noun's gender and first sound, then pick ce, cet, cette or ces. Also learn the fixed time expressions: ce soir (tonight), ce matin (this morning), ce week-end.

cemasculine singularce manteau
cetmasc. singular, vowelcet ordinateur
cettefeminine singularcette veste
cespluralces chaussures

Ce manteau est cher.

This coat is expensive.

Cet ordinateur est vieux.

This computer is old.

Cette veste est jolie.

This jacket is pretty.

Ces chaussures sont chères.

These shoes are expensive.

Je voudrais ce pull-ci.

I would like this sweater.

Traps to avoid

  • Ce veste est jolie.

    Cette veste est jolie.

    English "this" never changes, so learners use one form. Check gender first: feminine nouns always take cette.

  • Ce ordinateur est cher.

    Cet ordinateur est cher.

    Ce can't be said before a vowel or silent h. Masculine nouns then take cet, which sounds like cette.

  • Cet amie est sympa.

    Cette amie est sympa.

    Cet is only for masculine nouns. A feminine noun keeps cette, even before a vowel.

Drill it

From the lesson In a shop. Type each answer, no multiple choice. 20 drills on this rule.

manteau est très cher.

This coat is very expensive.

veste est jolie.

This jacket is pretty.

chaussures sont noires.

These shoes are black.

appartement est grand.

This apartment is big.

Je voudrais robe-là.

I would like that dress.

clients attendent à la caisse.

These customers are waiting at the till.