Homophones
CEFR B1
ce vs se
"ce" is a demonstrative (before a noun or a verb: ce livre, ce qui, c'est). "se" is a reflexive pronoun that goes with a pronominal verb (se laver, se lever, s'amuser).
If you can replace it with "cela" or "cet", it is "ce". If it comes before a pronominal verb, it is "se".
Examples
Ce matin, il fait beau.
Key word(s): ce
"Cet matin" works (demonstrative before a noun).
Il se lave les mains.
Key word(s): se
Pronominal verb "se laver".
C'est une bonne idée.
Key word(s): c'
"Cela est une bonne idée" works.
Elle se promène dans le parc.
Key word(s): se
Pronominal verb "se promener".
Ce que tu dis est vrai.
Key word(s): ce
"Cela que tu dis" works.
Common mistakes
- Writing "se matin" (using the pronoun instead of the demonstrative).
- Writing "il ce lave" (using the demonstrative instead of the reflexive pronoun).
- Confusing "c'est" and "s'est".
Test yourself
___ livre est intéressant.
Elle ___ réveille tôt.
___ qui compte, c'est l'effort.
Tips to remember
- "se" always comes before a verb.
- "ce" comes before a noun or in "ce qui", "ce que", "c'est".
- For "c'est" vs "s'est": "cela est" = c'est, "il s'est levé" = pronominal.
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