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?

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 6 years ago

Like0Answer3

CécileNative French expert teacher in KwiziqCorrect answer

Hi Terry,

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

Hope this helps!

Like16 years ago

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).

Like06 years ago

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.

Like06 years ago

T. S. asked:

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

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« When is "jusqu'au cas où used instead of "au cas où"?When using « Qu’est-ce que c’est » is it appropriate to follow this statement with article? »

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