LVC: Est-ce que
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."
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.
*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
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: