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What is the correct way to ask a question using pourquoi and a person's name?

Pourquoi Marie est-elle en colère ?

or

Pourquoi est-Marie en colère ?

or

Pourquoi Marie est en colère ?

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2 Answers 2

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Correct et soutenu :

Pourquoi Marie est-elle en colère ?

Incorrect (ne jamais l'employer) :

Pourquoi est-Marie en colère ?

Correct, surtout à l'oral :

Pourquoi Marie est en colère ?

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  • 1
    Let me add a variation: Pourquoi est-ce que Marie est en colère ? (usually spoken).
    – Pierre Arnaud
    Nov 22, 2014 at 7:24
  • 2
    Pourquoi Marie est en colère can also be used in written form with indirect speach: J'aimerais savoir pourquoi Marie est en colère.
    – Pierre Arnaud
    Nov 22, 2014 at 7:25
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You can only make an inverted pair (like est-il) with a pronoun. That said, you can use such a device as a prop in a question involving nouns or proper nouns (like in your first sentence).

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