😧 What's the difference between: EST-CE QUE / QU'EST-CE QUE / CE QUE? (explanation + QUIZ)

Summary

In this French lesson, the instructor explains various ways to form questions and exclamatory sentences using structures like 'EST-CE QUE,' 'QU'EST-CE QUE,' and 'CE QUE.' The video clarifies the differences between closed questions, open questions, and exclamatory sentences, offering clear examples for each. Key points include the use of 'EST-CE QUE' for simple yes/no questions, 'QU'EST-CE QUE' for questions starting with 'what,' and 'CE QUE' to link clauses or highlight parts of a sentence. The lesson ends with a quiz to test understanding, reinforcing the rules covered in the video.

Takeaways

• 😀 **Use 'EST-CE QUE'** to ask closed questions (yes/no questions) without relying on rising intonation. Example: 'Est-ce que vous parlez français?' (Do you speak French?).
• 😀 **'QU'EST-CE QUE'** is used for open-ended questions that start with 'What?', followed by a verb or subject. Example: 'Que faites-vous ?' (What do you do?).
• 😀 **'QU'EST-CE QUE'** can also form **exclamatory sentences**, emphasizing strong feelings. Example: 'Qu'est-ce que c'est beau!' (What a beautiful view!).
• 😀 **'CE QUE'** is a relative pronoun that links two parts of a sentence. It's used to mean 'the thing that'. Example: 'Elle achète ce qu'elle veut.' (She buys what she wants).
• 😀 **'CE DONT'** is used when verbs or verbal expressions require the preposition 'DE'. Example: 'Comprends-tu ce dont je parle?' (Do you understand what I’m talking about?).
• 😀 **'CE QUI'** refers to the subject of the second part of the sentence and is used when that subject is the same as the first part. Example: 'Ce qui est important dans cette leçon, c'est que tu comprennes.' (What is important in this lesson is that you understand).
• 😀 When asking a question about something with a verb following, use **'QU'EST-CE QUI'**. Example: 'Qu'est-ce qui brûle?' (What burned?).
• 😀 **'CE QUE'** is also used for emphasizing a part of an affirmative sentence, such as in the sentence 'What I want is to sleep!' ('Ce que je veux, c'est dormir!').
• 😀 To form a question with the verb 'to want' in an open-ended format, use **'CE QUE'** for direct objects, not requiring a preposition. Example: 'Ce que je veux, c’est dormir.' (What I want is to sleep).
• 😀 **'EST-CE QUE'** is especially useful in spoken French, like on the phone, as it immediately signals a question without relying on intonation or other cues.

Q & A

What is the purpose of the 'EST-CE QUE' structure in French?

'EST-CE QUE' is used to form yes/no questions in French without needing to rely on rising intonation. It clearly indicates that the sentence is a question.

When should we use 'QU'EST-CE QUE' instead of 'EST-CE QUE'?

'QU'EST-CE QUE' is used when the question word 'what' (or other similar words) is at the beginning of the sentence, asking for specific information, whereas 'EST-CE QUE' is used for general yes/no questions.

What happens when the subject of the sentence starts with a vowel in the 'EST-CE QUE' structure?

When the subject starts with a vowel, an apostrophe is added after 'EST' (making it 'EST-CE QUE') to avoid awkward pronunciation.

How does 'QU'EST-CE QUE' differ from 'QU'EST-CE QUI'?

'QU'EST-CE QUE' is used when the question is about a thing (direct object), whereas 'QU'EST-CE QUI' is used when the question is about a subject (and it is followed by a verb).

What is an example of using 'QU'EST-CE QUE' in an exclamatory sentence?

'QU'EST-CE QUE' can also be used to express exclamation, such as 'QU'EST-CE QUE C'EST BEAU!' ('How beautiful it is!') where it emphasizes the feeling of amazement.

What is the role of 'CE QUE' in a sentence?

'CE QUE' is used as a relative pronoun to connect two parts of a sentence, often meaning 'the thing that' or 'what'. It can also introduce a subordinate clause or emphasize a direct object.

How does 'CE DONT' differ from 'CE QUE'?

'CE DONT' is used when the verb is followed by a preposition 'DE', indicating possession or origin. In contrast, 'CE QUE' is used with direct objects or to connect parts of a sentence without a preposition.

Can 'CE QUE' be used in questions?

Yes, 'CE QUE' can appear in questions when linking parts of a sentence. For example, 'Did you do what I asked?' uses 'CE QUE' because it connects the action ('do') with the object ('what I asked').

What is the correct structure when asking a question about a specific object or action?

When asking about an object or action, use 'QU'EST-CE QUE' at the beginning of the sentence. For example, 'What do you want to eat?' or 'What burned?'

How do you differentiate between a closed and open question in French?

A closed question can be answered with 'yes' or 'no', often using 'EST-CE QUE'. An open question requires more detailed information and typically uses a question word like 'quoi', 'comment', or 'pourquoi'.