French Phrase
C'est l'écran du téléphone. C'est un entretien par téléphone.
Meaning
The first sentence identifies the object: "It's the phone's screen." The second states the nature of a meeting: "It's a phone interview/meeting." Both use the demonstrative "c'est" to point out or define something.
When to use
Use the first sentence when you need to point out or describe a specific part of a device, e.g., while showing someone a broken screen. The second is used in professional or informal contexts to explain that a conversation will happen over the phone rather than in person.
✦Grammar Breakdown
C'estl'écrandutéléphone.C'estunentretienpartéléphone.
C'est
Contraction of "ce" + "est" used to identify or describe something; always followed by a noun or adjective.
l' (élision)
The article "le" or "la" drops the vowel before a vowel or mute h, becoming "l'".
du = de + le
The partitive/possessive preposition "du" means "of the" (masculine singular).
un (indefinite article)
Used when referring to a non‑specific item; here it introduces "entretien" (a interview/meeting).
par (by/through)
Preposition indicating the means or medium; "par téléphone" = "by phone".
🗨In Conversation
C'est l'écran du téléphone qui ne fonctionne plus.
It's the phone's screen that no longer works.
D'accord, on va faire un entretien par téléphone pour régler le problème.
Alright, we'll have a phone interview to sort out the issue.
✕Common Mistakes
C'est le écran du téléphone.
The article "le" must elide before a vowel, becoming "l'".
C'est un entretien de téléphone.
"de téléphone" would mean "of the phone"; the correct preposition for means is "par".
C'est l'écran du le téléphone.
Do not repeat the article; "du" already includes "le".
↔Alternatives
Voici l'écran du téléphone.
Here is the phone's screen.
C'est un entretien téléphonique.
It's a telephone interview.
C'est l'écran du portable.
It's the screen of the mobile phone.
Cultural Tip
In French, "entretien" can refer to both a job interview and a casual conversation. Adding "par téléphone" clarifies the medium. When pointing out parts of a device, French speakers often use "c'est" followed by the noun phrase, but "voici" or "voilà" can sound slightly more formal.