French Phrase
L'intégrité et la responsabilité, c'est essentiel.
Meaning
The sentence states that integrity and responsibility are essential. It emphasizes these two values as a single, indispensable principle, using the neutral "c'est" construction to give a strong, declarative tone.
When to use
Use this phrase in formal speeches, business presentations, or written texts when you want to underline core ethical values. It works well in team meetings, corporate codes of conduct, or any context where you stress the importance of moral standards.
✦Grammar Breakdown
L'intégritéetlaresponsabilité,c'estessentiel.
Elision with l'
The article "le" becomes "l'" before a vowel or mute h, as in "l'intégrité".
Conjunction "et"
"Et" simply links two nouns without changing their gender or number.
"c'est" + adjective
When "c'est" is followed by an adjective, the adjective stays in the masculine singular form, regardless of the gender or number of the nouns previously mentioned.
Adjective agreement
If you replace "c'est" with "sont", the adjective must agree in gender and number (e.g., "sont essentielles").
🗨In Conversation
Nous devons toujours garder nos principes, même sous pression.
We must always keep our principles, even under pressure.
L'intégrité et la responsabilité, c'est essentiel.
Integrity and responsibility, that's essential.
✕Common Mistakes
L'intégrité et la responsabilité, c'est essentielles.
With "c'est" the adjective stays masculine singular; use "sont essentielles" if you switch to the verb "être" in plural.
Les intégrité et la responsabilité, c'est essentiel.
"Intégrité" is feminine singular; the correct article is "l'" (elision) or "une".
L'intégrité et la responsabilité, c'est essentielles.
Adjectives after "c'est" never take a plural ending; the correct form is "essentiel".
↔Alternatives
L'intégrité et la responsabilité sont essentielles.
Integrity and responsibility are essential.
Il est essentiel d'avoir de l'intégrité et de la responsabilité.
It is essential to have integrity and responsibility.
Ces valeurs – l'intégrité et la responsabilité – sont primordiales.
These values – integrity and responsibility – are paramount.
Cultural Tip
In French professional culture, "intégrité" and "responsabilité" are often highlighted in corporate charters and public service codes. Using the neutral "c'est" construction gives a concise, authoritative tone, but be aware that in very formal written French you may prefer the plural agreement "sont essentielles" to match the two nouns.