Why can't I use Qu' when the word following is est?

K. v.A1Kwiziq community member

Why can't I use Qu' when the word following is est?

I took the quiz and got the answer wrong when I put 'Qu' est' instead of 'Quel est' – so I'm slightly confused because I thought that it should be Qu' since est starts with a vowel?

This question relates to:French lesson "Quel/quels/quelle/quelles ? = Which/what? (French Question Words)"

Asked 4 years ago

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Maarten K.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor Correct answer

In this context specifically, you only use 'qu'est' (elision) to replace que est (not for qui est either). See the information on the limited situations in which elision occurs pronunciation/elision.

Like04 years ago

K. v. asked:

Why can't I use Qu' when the word following is est?

I took the quiz and got the answer wrong when I put 'Qu' est' instead of 'Quel est' – so I'm slightly confused because I thought that it should be Qu' since est starts with a vowel?

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