Use of "n'est-ce pas"

H. A.C1Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor

Use of "n'est-ce pas"

In answer to this question...

"Marie vient demain" Now turn this sentence into a question, using "n'est-ce pas"
... I answered "N'est-ce pas que Marie vient demain?

Why is this wrong? I admit it seems clunky (overly formal?).

Asked 15 hours ago
Maarten K.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor Correct answer

Shelley is correct -  “ n’est-ce pas “ can only be used at the end of the phrase. The ‘ question ‘ has to be stated as an affirmative statement, with ‘ n’est-ce pas ‘ following. It is used when stating something you already believe to be true, and are really just expecting confirmation. 

From the lesson

 

 

   

3. Append ...n'est-ce pas?

Pronounced "ness pah", this is like adding is it not?  to the end.  

Tu es Jane, n'est-ce pas ?You are Jane, aren't you?

 

Tu parles anglais, n'est-ce pas ?You speak English, don't you?

Shelley H.B2Kwiziq community member

I think it should be at the end of the sentence, i.e., "Marie va venir demain, n'est-ce-pas?"

H. A.C1Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor

Maybe it could be "N'est-il pas que Marie vient demain?"

H. A. asked:

Use of "n'est-ce pas"

In answer to this question...

"Marie vient demain" Now turn this sentence into a question, using "n'est-ce pas"
... I answered "N'est-ce pas que Marie vient demain?

Why is this wrong? I admit it seems clunky (overly formal?).

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