The difference between the second two variants ...

Stuart B.B1Kwiziq community member

The difference between the second two variants ...

Is the difference that, in number 1 ‘Qu’est-ce que c’est’ I would just point, whereas the ‘que’ is added if I refer to the object by name?

This question relates to:French lesson "Qu'est-ce que c'est... and Qu'est-ce que c'est que ça/cela ? = What is... / What's that? in French"

Asked 7 years ago

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Chris W.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor Correct answer

No, you can use either to point to a thing or to name one.

Qu'est-ce que c'est ça? -- Qu'est-ce que c'est cette boîte?
Qu'est-ce que c'est que ça? -- Q'est-ce que c'est que cette boîte?

-- Chris (not a native speaker).

Like07 years ago

Stuart B. asked:

The difference between the second two variants ...

Is the difference that, in number 1 ‘Qu’est-ce que c’est’ I would just point, whereas the ‘que’ is added if I refer to the object by name?

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« Il fait should always be followed by an adjective, and il y a used with nouns Wouldn’t conditional be acceptable? “Would you like some water?” »

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