Question 1

How could I rewrite this sentence to use the exclamative inversion from this lesson?

Accepted Answer

You can drop ce qui est and invert the verb and a pronoun before the adjective: Est-il impressionnant, le galop de ce cheval ! This gives the exclamation a much more literary, elevated feel than the standard phrasing used here.

Question 2

Why is there an extra c' in c'est? Could we just say Ce qui est impressionnant est le galop?

Accepted Answer

You really need that extra c'. When a French sentence begins with ce qui or ce que to highlight a specific thing, you generally must introduce the second half of the sentence with c'est (it is) rather than just est.

Question 3

Why use ce qui instead of ce que?

Accepted Answer

We use ce qui because it acts as the subject of the verb est in the first clause. You use ce que when there is already another subject, as in Ce que je trouve impressionnant, c'est... (What I find impressive is...).

Question 4

Is the final consonant in galop silent?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the p at the end of galop is completely silent. However, you will hear it in related words where it is followed by a vowel, like the verb galoper (to gallop).

Ce qui est impressionnant, c'est le galop de ce cheval !

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