Word
C'est un dilemme, et par conséquent cela est inacceptable.
Meaning
This is a dilemma, and consequently that is unacceptable.
Part of speech
sentence
Pronunciation
Course
Breakdown of C'est un dilemme, et par conséquent cela est inacceptable.
être
to be
un
a / an (masculine)
ce
it / this (with être)
et
and
Questions & Answers about C'est un dilemme, et par conséquent cela est inacceptable.
Why does the sentence start with C' but later use cela with the verb être?
Both C' (short for ce) and cela are neutral pronouns. C'est is the standard, everyday way to say 'It is' or 'This is'. In the second clause, cela is used instead of ce to formally point back to the specific idea just mentioned (the fact that it is a dilemma). Using cela est instead of a second c'est adds an elevated, formal tone. In casual speech, you would likely just hear c'est inacceptable.
Could I use ceci instead of cela here?
It would sound unnatural. In French discourse, cela refers backward to an idea you have already established (the dilemma). Ceci, on the other hand, usually points forward to a new idea you are about to introduce (like saying 'Listen to this:'). Because you are concluding something based on the previously stated clause, cela is the correct choice.
How does par conséquent compare to donc?
Par conséquent means 'consequently' or 'therefore'. While donc is the most common and versatile way to say 'so' or 'therefore' in everyday French, par conséquent is a more formal, precise connector. At a B2 level, it is a great phrase to use in essays or professional speech to clearly structure cause and effect.