Present subjunctive vs indicative
The subjunctive expresses a wish, a doubt, an obligation or a feeling. The indicative expresses a certain or real fact. The choice depends on the verb or expression that comes before it.
Examples
Il faut que tu viennes.
Key word(s): viennes
"Il faut que" expresses an obligation, so the subjunctive is used.
Je pense qu'il vient.
Key word(s): vient
"Je pense que" expresses certainty, so the indicative is used.
Je doute qu'il soit là.
Key word(s): soit
"Douter que" (to doubt that) expresses doubt, so the subjunctive is used.
Je sais qu'elle est partie.
Key word(s): est
"Savoir que" (to know that) states a fact, so the indicative is used.
Il est possible qu'il pleuve.
Key word(s): pleuve
"Il est possible que" expresses uncertainty, so the subjunctive is used.
Common mistakes
- Using the indicative after "il faut que"
- Using the subjunctive after "je pense que" (in the affirmative)
- Confusing the subjunctive forms with the indicative ones (vienne/vient)
Test yourself
Je veux qu'il ___.
Je crois qu'elle ___.
Bien qu'il ___ malade, il travaille.
Tips to remember
- The subjunctive is required after: il faut que, vouloir que, souhaiter que, bien que, pour que, avant que.
- The indicative is required after: savoir que, croire que (affirmative), penser que (affirmative), être sûr que.
- Note: "je ne pense pas que" takes the subjunctive (the negation introduces doubt).
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