When using « Qu’est-ce qu » is it always followed by an article?

T. S.B1Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor

When using « Qu’est-ce qu » is it always followed by an article?

Asked 6 years ago
CécileKwiziq team memberCorrect answer

Hi Terry,

Qu'est-ce que is more formal than Qu'est-ce que c'est que

Hope this helps!

Chris W.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor
In asking "What is ...." kind of questions I can't think of an example where you wouldn't need either a definite or indefinite article in French. -- Chris (not a native speaker).
T. S.B1Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor
Thanks. I think what I’m actually confused about but didn’t state it well, is when to use ...que c’est? And when to use only ...que? I.e. the difference between Qu’est-ce que...(le stylo)? and Qu’est-ce que c’est (le stylo)? I keep getting them incorrect and i find the explanation in the ‘explain this’ section to not be very clear/helpful.
T. S. asked:View original

When using « Qu’est-ce qu » is it always followed by an article?

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