1. to learn how to ask questions using the inversion method
A2 - niveau usuel (elementary)
The inversion method consists of placing the verb before the subject.
A hyphen is required between the verb and the subject pronoun.
Do/did do not exist in French. You simply place the verb at the beginning of the sentence.
The letter t is required in front of elle(s), il(s) or on when the verb ends with a vowel. This is to avoid a break, making the sentence sound better.
PRÉSENT
- Parlez-vous français ? OR Parles-tu français ?
Do you speak French?
- Parlent-ils français ?*
Do they speak French?
*In this example, you need to make the liaison between the verb and the subject pronoun.
So you need to pronounce the t.
- A-t-elle un chien ?**
Does she have a dog
**Notice the t between the verb a and the subject pronoun elle. This is to make the sentence sound better.
- Vas-tu au théâtre ce soir ? OR Allez-vous au théâtre ce soir ?***
Are you going to the theatre tonight?
***To translate the -ing form, we simply use the present tense.
Convert the following sentences into questions using the inversion method:
1. Elles vont à la bibliothèque aujourd'hui.
2. Elle a un chien
3. Nous allons chez Alice.
4. Ils parlent allemand.
5. J'ai raison.
1. Vont-elles à la bibliothèque aujourd'hui ?
2. A-t-elle un chien ?
3. Allons-nous chez Alice ?
4. Parlent-ils allemand ?
5. Ai-je raison ?
It is possible to use this method for the first person singular je and the auxiliaries être and avoir:
- Ai-je deux chats ?
Do I have two cats?
- Suis-je fort ?
Am I strong?
However, the inversion method cannot be used with je and other verbs. In this case, you need to use: est-ce que:
- Est-ce que je mange ?
Do I eat?