French Phrase
Qu'est-ce que les gens peuvent faire ?
Meaning
Literally, “What can the people do?” It asks about the possibilities, abilities, or actions that people in general are able to undertake in a given situation.
When to use
Use this question when you want to explore options, discuss rights, or brainstorm actions that a community or group of people could take. It’s common in debates, planning meetings, or casual conversations about social issues.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Qu'est-cequelesgenspeuventfaire?
Qu'est‑ce que
A fixed interrogative phrase meaning “what”. It introduces a yes‑no or information‑seeking question.
les gens
A plural noun meaning “people” used for a generic group; it always takes a plural verb.
peuvent
Third‑person plural present of pouvoir (to be able to). Must agree with the plural subject “les gens”.
faire
Infinitive verb meaning “to do / to make”. After pouvoir, the infinitive follows directly.
🗨In Conversation
Qu'est-ce que les gens peuvent faire pour réduire le gaspillage plastique ?
What can people do to reduce plastic waste?
Ils peuvent commencer par refuser les pailles en plastique et privilégier les contenants réutilisables.
They can start by refusing plastic straws and opting for reusable containers.
✕Common Mistakes
Qu'est-ce que les gens peut faire ?
The verb must agree with the plural subject “les gens”; use “peuvent”.
Qu’est ce que les gens peuvent faire ?
Missing the apostrophe after “Qu’est”; the correct form is “Qu’est‑ce que”.
Qu'est‑ce que les gens peuvent faire pour les étudiants ?
When you want to refer to a specific group, replace the generic “les gens” with a more precise noun.
↔Alternatives
Que peuvent faire les gens ?
What can people do?
Quelles actions les gens peuvent‑ils entreprendre ?
What actions can people undertake?
Qu'est‑ce que les personnes sont capables de faire ?
What are people capable of doing?
Cultural Tip
In French, “les gens” is a neutral, collective noun. It’s perfectly polite in both formal and informal settings, but avoid using it when you need to be specific about a gendered group – then choose “les hommes”, “les femmes”, or a more precise term. Also, the inversion form “Que peuvent faire les gens ?” sounds slightly more formal and is common in written French or news headlines.