A1BeginnerAsking questions · Point 5 / 40
Est-ce que + phrase normale, Est-ce qu' + voyelle
To ask a yes/no question, put “Est-ce que” in front of a normal sentence.
| Structure | Pattern | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Est-ce que | + phrase normale | phrase used to ask a yes/no question |
| Est-ce qu' | + voyelle | the same phrase, shortened before a vowel |
It is the simplest and most common form for a yes/no question.
Examples from our dialogues 5 · 5 with audio
- Listen
Est-ce que tu es libre vendredi soir ?
Are you free Friday evening?
Check The Full DialogueInviting an acquaintance out for a drink
- Listen
- Listen
Est-ce que le chauffage est inclus dans le loyer ?
Is heating included in the rent?
Check The Full DialogueViewing an apartment with the landlord
- Listen
Est-ce que les cours sont inclus ?
Are the classes included?
Check The Full DialogueSigning up for a gym
- Listen
Est-ce que je peux faire toute la demande en ligne plutôt qu'au comptoir ?
Can I do the whole application online rather than at the counter?
Check The Full DialogueAt the immigration counter
Common mistakes
Est-ce que avez-vous de la fièvre ?Est-ce que vous avez de la fièvre ?
After “Est-ce que”, keep the normal order: subject then verb. Don’t also invert.
Est-ce que il y a une pause ?Est-ce qu'il y a une pause ?
Before “il”, “elle”, “on”, “un”, “une”, “que” drops its “e”: “Est-ce qu’il”, “Est-ce qu’on”.
Practise speaking
Les interactions socialesSocial interactions
Greeting, getting acquainted, chatting with a neighbour — the French of everyday exchanges.
These dialogues use this point. They open on the dialogue page (audio, vocabulary to save).