question suivante
The English phrase 'next question' is translated into French as question suivante.
This phrase is used to indicate that the speaker is moving on to the following question in a series.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the noun question and the adjective suivante, which means 'following' or 'next'.
Which one should you use?
While prochaine can mean 'next' in a sequence, suivante is more commonly used in formal contexts like exams or structured interviews to mean 'the one that follows immediately'.
How does it change in a sentence?
Because question is a feminine noun in French, the adjective suivante must take the feminine form ending in -e.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use the masculine adjective prochain with the feminine noun question. The correct feminine form is prochaine or suivante.
Did you know?
- In historical French law, the word question did not mean a request for information, but referred to a judicial torture session used to force a confession from a defendant.
- While it now means 'question', the word question shares a root with the English word 'quest', both stemming from the Latin verb meaning 'to seek' or 'to inquire'.
- In old French texts, you may see question used to describe a point of law or a specific dispute, rather than a sentence ending in a question mark.
Examples in context
- Il passa à la question suivante.He proceeded to the next question.This sentence shows how to use question suivante when proceeding to the next part of a task.Tatoeba #952781 by sacredceltic, translation #264334 by CK
- Passons à la question suivante.Let's move on to the next question.
- La question suivante est plus difficile.The next question is more difficult.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Gabriel is conducting a formal interview with Chloé.
- GabrielPassons à la question suivante, Chloé.Let's move on to the next question, Chloé.
- ChloéJe suis prête, Gabriel.I am ready, Gabriel.
- GabrielQuelle est votre expérience dans ce domaine ?What is your experience in this field?
- ChloéJ'ai travaillé pendant trois ans dans ce secteur.I worked for three years in this sector.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries question, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
