Use of CE and Ces

Maria G.A1Kwiziq community member

Use of CE and Ces

In reference to the last sentence, why CE and not CES... Ce sont des vacances très relaxantes.
Asked 3 years ago
Maarten K.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor Correct answer

«ce sont» is the plural form of «c'est». «ce» used in this manner is an indefinite, invariable pronoun that is used mostly, but not exclusively, with «être» (instead of cela/ça). 

Of course «ce» can also be an adjective - «ces» is then the plural form,  and is followed by a noun, not a verb.

C'est, ce sont = this is, these are (demonstrative pronouns)

demonstrative-adjectives-ce-cet-cette-and-ces-mean-this-that-and-these-those

Chris W.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor

That are relaxing holidays. -- Ce sont des vacances relaxantes.
These holidays are relaxing. -- Ces vacances sont relaxantes.

Notice how, in the first sentence, ce does not refer to vacances but is a standalone subject of the sentence. In the second example, ces is a demonstrative pronoun belonging to vacances and needs to be matched to it.

Susan S.B1Kwiziq community member

That explanation was so enlightening. It is wonderful  when things make sense.

Use of CE and Ces

In reference to the last sentence, why CE and not CES... Ce sont des vacances très relaxantes.

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