Answering Questions

French questionsIn English, you can only answer yes / no questions with variations on the themes of yes, no, and I don't know. French, however, has another possibility: yes in response to no.

   

Est-ce que

Est-ce qu'il l'aime?
Is it a question or an expression? Learn all about the essential French phrase est-ce que.

   

   

   

   

   

   

Questions

French questionsKnowing how to ask questions in French is essential for making plans, shopping, traveling, getting to know people, and any other activity that requires obtaining information. There are two different types of questions, and different ways to ask each type.

   

Tag Questions

French tag questionsA really easy way to ask questions is by ending a regular statement with an interrogative word or phrase, known as a tag question.

   

Variable Subjunctive

French subjunctiveObviousness, knowledge, certainty, and hope are considered real - at least to the speaker - and therefore do not call for the subjunctive. Using these verbs and expressions in the negative or interrogative, however, indicates doubt: thus the subjunctive is required.