Asking Simple Questions (est-ce que, inversion, intonation)

You have already encountered the three ways to form questions in French. This lesson goes deeper, providing detailed rules, more examples, and practice for each method. By the end, you will be able to confidently ask both yes/no questions and information questions in any situation.

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Method 1: Intonation (Informal)

The simplest way to ask a yes/no question is to take a statement and raise your voice at the end. The word order does not change at all.

How It Works

Statement	Question (same words, voice rises)
Tu parles français.	Tu parles français ? ↗
Il est français.	Il est français ? ↗
Vous avez des enfants.	Vous avez des enfants ? ↗
Elle aime le chocolat.	Elle aime le chocolat ? ↗
C'est bon.	C'est bon ? ↗

When to Use Intonation

• In casual, everyday conversation
• When speaking with friends, family, or peers
• In text messages and informal written communication
• When the context makes the question clear