French Phrase
C'est quand, l'expo de sciences ?
Meaning
This sentence asks for the date or time of the science exhibition. It is informal and typical of spoken French, where the speaker places the time‑question before the noun phrase.
When to use
Use this phrase in casual conversations with classmates, friends, or colleagues when you need to know when a specific event (here, a science expo) will take place. It is not suited for formal written requests.
✦Grammar Breakdown
C'estquand,l'expodesciences?
C'est + interrogatif
In spoken French, "C'est" can be followed by an interrogative adverb (e.g., "quand") to ask about time, similar to "When is it?"
Comma as pause
The comma indicates a short spoken pause; it is not required in writing but reflects natural speech rhythm.
L'expo (élision)
"Expo" is a shortened form of "exposition"; the article "l'" elides before a vowel sound.
de + nom de domaine
The preposition "de" links the type of exhibition ("sciences") to the noun "expo".
🗨In Conversation
C'est quand, l'expo de sciences ?
When is the science expo?
Elle commence le 12 mai à 10 h.
It starts on May 12th at 10 a.m.
✕Common Mistakes
Quel est le moment, l'expo de sciences ?
"Quel est le moment" is literal but sounds unnatural; French prefers "C'est quand" for informal timing questions.
C'est où, l'expo de sciences ?
"Où" asks for location, not time. Use "quand" for date/time.
C'est quand l'exposition de sciences ?
Missing the pause/comma makes the sentence sound more formal; the informal spoken version keeps the pause.
↔Alternatives
L'expo de sciences, c'est quand ?
When is the science expo?
Quand aura lieu l'expo de sciences ?
When will the science expo take place?
À quelle date se tient l'expo de sciences ?
On what date is the science expo held?
Cultural Tip
In everyday French, "c'est quand" is a very common, informal way to ask about the timing of an event. The abbreviation "expo" is widely used, especially among younger speakers. If you need to be more formal (e.g., writing an email to a professor), switch to "Quand aura lieu l'exposition de sciences ?".