Nouns and inversion.

J. L.C1Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor

Nouns and inversion.

George's question is interesting! Very often, in English, you may hear the following. "The front door, was it locked?".  Also similarly, "Cécile, isn't she exceptional?". The screeching-brakes urgency of the first and the wonderment accolade of the second is relayed in the format. And yet the corresponding translation is rejected in the answers. How can you repeat the effect in French if not as follows.  La porte d'entrée, etait-elle verouillée?/Cécile, n'est-elle pas exceptionnelle?

Asked 3 years ago
CécileKwiziq team memberCorrect answer

Hi Jameson, 

Although this is not included in the lesson you can have a negative version of a question using an inversion such as the ones you mention, to express a doubt or a confirmation of something like for instance -

Lucien, n'est-il pas déjà en Belgique ? = isn't Lucien already in Belgium? 

N'y a-t-il pas des grèves en France aujourd'hui ? = Aren't there strikes in France today?

Hope this helps!

 

J. L.C1Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor

Yes it did.Thanks!

J. L. asked:View original

Nouns and inversion.

George's question is interesting! Very often, in English, you may hear the following. "The front door, was it locked?".  Also similarly, "Cécile, isn't she exceptional?". The screeching-brakes urgency of the first and the wonderment accolade of the second is relayed in the format. And yet the corresponding translation is rejected in the answers. How can you repeat the effect in French if not as follows.  La porte d'entrée, etait-elle verouillée?/Cécile, n'est-elle pas exceptionnelle?

Sign in to submit your answer

Don't have an account yet? Join today

Ask a question

Find your French level for FREE

Test your French to the CEFR standard

Find your French level
Thinking...