Formality of questions

Anne D.C1Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor

Formality of questions

Just a quick question. Is qu’est-ce que + noun always more formal? I found it a bit confusing that 

 

 

a. the last two examples of it in Section 3 have no further mention of register and 

b. in Sections 1 and 3 the examples go from less to more elegant, whereas in 2 it’s the other way round.

 

Do realise this is an A0 lesson, but the concepts behind it are quite challenging.

 

Asked 9 months ago
Chris W.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor Correct answer

The inverted form of asking questions is always more formal. Since qu'est-ce que + [noun]? is inverted, it sounds more formal.

clare k.C1Kwiziq community member

Can you say “ C’est quoi une baguette?

clare k.C1Kwiziq community member

Can you say “ C’est quoi une baguette?

Formality of questions

Just a quick question. Is qu’est-ce que + noun always more formal? I found it a bit confusing that 

 

 

a. the last two examples of it in Section 3 have no further mention of register and 

b. in Sections 1 and 3 the examples go from less to more elegant, whereas in 2 it’s the other way round.

 

Do realise this is an A0 lesson, but the concepts behind it are quite challenging.

 

Sign in to submit your answer

Don't have an account yet? Join today

Ask a question

Find your French level for FREE

Test your French to the CEFR standard

Find your French level
Clever stuff happening!