Language/French/Grammar/Interrogation

French Grammar → Negation and Interrogation → Interrogation

In this lesson, you will learn how to form questions in French using interrogative words and inversion. You will also learn how to properly intonate a sentence to express a question.

Interrogative Words

Interrogative words are words used to ask open-ended questions using who, what, when, where, why, and how. It is important to note that in French, the interrogative word must always come at the beginning of the sentence.

Here are some commonly used interrogative words and their English counterparts:

French	Pronunciation	English
Qui	kee	Who
Quoi	kwah	What
Quand	kahn	When
Où	oo	Where
Pourquoi	poor-kwah	Why
Comment	kohm-ahn	How

Here are some examples:

• Qui est ton ami? (Who is your friend?)
• Qu'est-ce que tu aimes faire? (What do you like to do?)
• Quand est ton anniversaire? (When is your birthday?)
• Où habites-tu? (Where do you live?)
• Pourquoi est-ce que tu pleures? (Why are you crying?)
• Comment vas-tu? (How are you?)

Inversion

Inversion is a grammatical structure used to ask closed-ended questions, which can be answered with a simple yes or no. In French, the verb and the subject pronoun switch places and are separated by a hyphen. It is important to note that inversion is only used in formal settings and in writing.

Here are some examples:

• Parlez-vous français? (Do you speak French?)
• Aime-t-il le chocolat? (Does he like chocolate?)
• Sont-elles prêtes? (Are they ready?)

It is important to note that when using inversion with a verb that ends with a vowel, a "t" is added between the verb and subject pronoun. For example:

• Est-ce que vous avez mangé? becomes Avez-vous mangé?

Intonation

Intonation is the rise and fall of the pitch in a sentence. In French, when asking a question, the pitch should rise at the end of the sentence. This lets the listener know that a question is being asked.

For example:

• Tu m'aimes? (Do you love me?) - Note that the pitch rises at the end of the sentence

Exercises

Translate the following sentences to French:

1. What time is it?
2. Where do you live?
3. Do you know where my keys are?
4. Why are you sad?
5. Who are your friends?

Answer key:

1. Quelle heure est-il?
2. Où habites-tu?
3. Savez-vous où sont mes clés?
4. Pourquoi es-tu triste?
5. Qui sont tes amis?

Sources

• French Interrogative
• French Phonology

Table of Contents - French Course - 0 to A1

• Course Presentation

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Alphabet and Pronunciation

• The French Alphabet
• French Vowels and Consonants
• French Accent Marks
• Introductions and Greetings

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Nouns and Articles

• Gender and Number of Nouns
• Definite and Indefinite Articles
• Partitive Articles

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Verbs and Tenses

• Present Tense of Regular Verbs
• Common Irregular Verbs
• Passé Composé
• Futur Proche

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Adjectives and Adverbs

• Agreement of Adjectives
• Comparative and Superlative Adjectives
• Formation and Use of Adverbs

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Negation and Interrogation

• Negation
• Interrogation

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Numbers and Time

• Cardinal and Ordinal Numbers
• Time and Dates

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Family and Relationships

• Family Members
• Romantic Relationships

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Food and Drink

• Food and Eating Habits
• Beverages and Drinking Habits

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Hobbies and Interests

• Sports and Fitness Activities
• Music and Entertainment

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Geography and Travel

• Regions and Cities in France
• Transportation and Accommodation

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French Culture and Arts

• French Cuisine and Gastronomy
• French Cinema and Literature

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French History and Society

• Major Events in French History
• French Society and Lifestyle