Knowing how to ask questions in French is super important for chatting with others. This post will help you learn how to use regular verbs in the present tense to ask questions. We’ll look at three types of regular verbs: -ER, -IR, and -RE verbs.

Understanding Regular Verb Conjugation

Before we start making questions, let’s look at how to change regular verbs in the present tense. Here’s a quick guide for each type:

1. -ER Verbs (like "parler" - to speak)

   • Je parle (I speak)
   • Tu parles (You speak)
   • Il/Elle/On parle (He/She/One speaks)
   • Nous parlons (We speak)
   • Vous parlez (You speak - formal or plural)
   • Ils/Elles parlent (They speak)

2. -IR Verbs (like "finir" - to finish)

   • Je finis (I finish)
   • Tu finis (You finish)
   • Il/Elle/On finit (He/She/One finishes)
   • Nous finissons (We finish)
   • Vous finissez (You finish - formal or plural)
   • Ils/Elles finissent (They finish)

3. -RE Verbs (like "vendre" - to sell)

   • Je vends (I sell)
   • Tu vends (You sell)
   • Il/Elle/On vend (He/She/One sells)
   • Nous vendons (We sell)
   • Vous vendez (You sell - formal or plural)
   • Ils/Elles vendent (They sell)

How to Form Questions

In French, there are several ways to ask questions with regular verbs in the present tense. Here are the most common ways:

1. Intonation

The easiest way to ask a question is to raise your voice at the end of the sentence. This method is casual but very clear.

Example:

• Statement: "Tu aimes le chocolat." (You like chocolate.)
• Question: "Tu aimes le chocolat?" (Do you like chocolate?)

2. Inversion

In more formal situations or when writing, you might use inversion. This means you switch the subject and the verb and add a hyphen.

Example:

• Statement: "Il parle anglais." (He speaks English.)
• Question: "Parle-t-il anglais?" (Does he speak English?)

3. Using "est-ce que"

Another easy way to ask questions is to start with "est-ce que." You can use this method in both speaking and writing.

Example:

• Statement: "Nous mangeons à la cantine." (We eat in the cafeteria.)
• Question: "Est-ce que nous mangeons à la cantine?" (Do we eat in the cafeteria?)

Practice Makes Perfect

Now it’s your turn! Try making questions using the three methods we discussed. Here are some practice sentences:

• Using intonation: "Vous dansez souvent?" (Do you dance often?)
• Using inversion: "Finissez-vous vos devoirs?" (Do you finish your homework?)
• Using "est-ce que": "Est-ce que tu as un animal?" (Do you have a pet?)

By practicing these different ways to ask questions, you’ll feel more confident using regular verbs in French. Have fun learning!