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Grammar
Objective: Alternate between indicative and subjunctive moods based on the polarity and certainty of the main clause.
| Main clause type | Example | Mood |
|---|---|---|
| affirmative opinion | Je pense qu'il vient. | indicative |
| negative opinion | Je ne pense pas qu'il vienne. | subjunctive |
| certainty | Il est certain qu'il vient. | indicative |
| possibility | Il est possible qu'il vienne. | subjunctive |
A negated verb of opinion withdraws the assertion of belief, so the subordinate verb moves from the indicative to the subjunctive.
An affirmative verb of opinion asserts a belief, so the subordinate verb stays in the indicative and the subjunctive would mark uncertainty the speaker does not express.
An affirmative verb of opinion asserts a belief, so the subordinate verb appears in the indicative.
The negative withdraws the assertion of belief, so the subordinate verb moves to the subjunctive.
Être certain que states certainty and keeps the indicative.
Être possible que expresses possibility and takes the subjunctive.
Douter expresses doubt in its own meaning, so the affirmative already requires the subjunctive.
7 exercises · about 11 minutes
| verb of doubt, affirmative | Je doute qu'il vienne. | subjunctive |
| verb of doubt, negated | Je ne doute pas qu'il viendra. | indicative |
The expression être certain que states certainty and takes the indicative, even in negative and interrogative forms.
Careful written French prefers the indicative after ne pas douter que, since the negated verb expresses confidence rather than doubt.
Croire in the affirmative expresses belief and takes the indicative, while only the negative and interrogative forms take the subjunctive.
Careful written French prefers the indicative after ne pas douter que, since the negated verb expresses confidence rather than doubt.
The interrogative withdraws the assertion of belief, so the subordinate verb shifts to the subjunctive.
The two clauses show the contrast between an affirmative espérer with the indicative and a negative croire with the subjunctive.