LVC: Est-ce que

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Est-ce que

Learning how to form questions is an important part of language learning. In this section we will learn how to form questions with the expression "est-ce que."

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How to pronounce:

The key terms listed above (with the exception of est-ce que) are interrogative adverbs and are used to ask questions.

This chart lays out the framework for questions with est-ce que.

Let's practice by working from this basic sentence: Tu vas à l'école.

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*With que, drop the e and add ' (the apostrophe) when the next word begins with a vowel or silent h.

** Note the different form when qui is the subject of the question.

Download a printable version (no audio): click here Links to an external site..

Est-ce que literally means "is it that." Thus, "Est-ce que tu vas à l'école" literally means "Is it that you go to school." You can also think of "est-ce que" this way:

  • Do you go to school?

In French, you would NEVER say: Fais-tu aller à l'école? That makes no sense in French. You say: "Est-ce que tu vas à l'école"?

Practice

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Now it's time to practice forming questions with est-ce que. Be sure to complete the activities below. 

Need even more practice?

Download the handout Est-ce que and Question Words Links to an external site. for additional practice.

Practice Activities

Activity 1:

Activity 2:

Activity 3:

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