Breakdown of Il n'est pas normal de se sentir toujours triste.
être
to be
toujours
always
ne
not (used before the verb)
pas
not (used after the verb)
de
of / from / any (in negative sentences) / about (concerning)
il
it (impersonal subject)
triste
sad
normal
normal
se sentir
to feel (oneself)
Questions & Answers about Il n'est pas normal de se sentir toujours triste.
Why use Il n'est pas normal instead of Ce n'est pas normal?
Both mean "It is not normal". In this specific structure (impersonal expression + adjective + infinitive verb), Il est is the traditional, formal choice. In casual spoken French, you will very often hear C'est, but Il est is what you will usually see in writing and formal speech.
Why do we need the word de before se sentir?
Why is the verb se sentir reflexive here?
Where should adverbs like toujours go when used with an infinitive verb?
Usually, adverbs follow the conjugated verb. But here, se sentir is an infinitive (unconjugated). With infinitives, adverbs of time or frequency like toujours (always) typically go right after the verb itself, giving us se sentir toujours triste.
Learn Il n'est pas normal de se sentir toujours triste and more in French
All course content and exercises are completely free — no paywalls, no trial periods, no signup needed.
- ✓ Practice with interactive exercises
- ✓ Track your progress with spaced repetition
- ✓Learn at your own pace — completely free