Language
French
Level
A0
Unit
Mots outils et verbes essentiels
Practice types
0

What this grammar point covers

French does not use a direct equivalent of 'do' as a helper for negatives and questions. Instead, negatives use ne ... pas, and questions use inversion or est-ce que.

When to use it

Use ne ... pas for negatives, and est-ce que or inversion for basic questions.

Key forms

  • ne ... pas
  • Est-ce que ... ?
  • Inversion: Parles-tu ?

Examples

Aimes-tu le thé ?

English: Do you like tea?

Elle ne travaille pas ici.

English: She does not work here.

Ils ne jouent pas aujourd'hui.

English: They do not play today.

Parle-t-il anglais ?

English: Does he speak English?

Tips

  • After ne ... pas, use the base verb form.
  • Use inversion or est-ce que for questions.
  • At this stage, focus on recognizing patterns, not naming rules.

Exceptions and edge cases

  • The verb être uses the same negative and question patterns: Est-elle prête ? Elle n'est pas prête.

Verify this grammar point in French reference sources

Cross-check the rule and examples in established native references. Each link opens in a new tab.

Word of the Day

Today's hand-picked vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation page for French. Bookmark this section — it refreshes every day.

Vocabulary · French · B1

raquette

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Grammar · French · A2

Les propositions avec « parce que »

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Pronunciation · French

Voyelles Aperçu

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Previous Verbe avoir : bases A0 · Mots outils et verbes essentiels Next Pronoms sujets A0 · Pronoms, articles et mots de référence

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