Answers
Aug 25, 2014 - 07:42 PM
est-ce que is slightly more formal than the other ways, but I've never come across when not to use it. My experience in general written and spoken French among friends, it is not used that often. Fluenz uses it exclusively in the earlier levels and I would say it's something to get a good handle on.
Aug 26, 2014 - 11:11 AM
@laroymurrell - Est-ce que can be used anytime when beginning to ask a question. There are more informal ways of asking a question, but I use it constantly in every day conversation among friends and family, so there are never any times that you would or wouldn't use it. It's especially great when you aren't a native speaker, since it lets the person know you're about to ask a question, and gives you a second to gather your thoughts.