A2 Present Tense 17 min read Easy

Expressing Opinions (Penser, Croire, Trouver)

Express opinions using penser, croire, or trouver followed by the mandatory connector que and a full sentence.
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Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds

Use 'penser' for thoughts, 'croire' for beliefs, and 'trouver' + adjective for personal evaluations.

  • Use 'penser' for general thoughts: Je pense qu'il est tard.
  • Use 'croire' for beliefs or faith: Je crois qu'il dit la vérité.
  • Use 'trouver' + adjective for opinions: Je trouve ce film génial.
Subject + (penser/croire/trouver) + (que) + Opinion

Overview

Expressing your thoughts, beliefs, and judgments is fundamental to communication in any language. In French, three primary verbs allow you to articulate opinions: penser, croire, and trouver. While all translate broadly to "to think" or "to believe," each carries a distinct nuance, reflecting the origin or nature of the opinion.

Mastering their appropriate usage elevates your French from functional to genuinely expressive, enabling you to convey precisely what you mean. This guide will provide a comprehensive understanding of their distinct applications, conjugations, and common patterns, suitable for A2 learners and offering deeper insights for more advanced students.

Conjugation Table

Subject Penser (to think) Croire (to believe) Trouver (to find/think)
:------------ :------------------ :-------------------- :------------------------
Je pense crois trouve
Tu penses crois trouves
Il/Elle/On pense croit trouve
Nous pensons croyons trouvons
Vous pensez croyez trouvez
Ils/Elles pensent croient trouvent

How This Grammar Works

When penser, croire, or trouver introduce an opinion or a statement you hold to be true, they are followed by the conjunction que (or qu' before a vowel or a silent h). This structure creates a subordinate clause, where que acts as the essential link between your opinion and the content of that opinion. Unlike English, where "that" can often be omitted (e.g., "I think it's true"), que is always mandatory in French in this construction.
The basic pattern is: Subject + Conjugated Verb + que/qu' + Subordinate Clause.
  • Je pense que le film est intéressant. (I think that the film is interesting.)
  • Elle croit qu'il va neiger. (She believes that it will snow.)
  • Nous trouvons que ce restaurant est cher. (We find that this restaurant is expensive.)
The subordinate clause following que will typically use the indicative mood for affirmative statements, reflecting that the speaker considers the content of the clause to be a reality or a strong probability based on their opinion. This direct link through que ensures clarity and grammatical correctness, forming a complete thought unit.

Formation Pattern

1
Let's formalize the structural patterns for using these verbs in affirmative, negative, and interrogative sentences.
2
Affirmative Statements: This is the most straightforward pattern, as introduced above.
3
[Subject] + [Conjugated verb] + que/qu' + [Subordinate clause (Indicative mood)]
4
Tu penses que j'ai raison. (You think that I am right.)
5
Ils croient qu'elle viendra demain. (They believe that she will come tomorrow.)
6
Nous trouvons que ce tableau est beau. (We find that this painting is beautiful.)
7
Negative Statements: To negate the opinion, place ne before the verb and pas after it. A crucial nuance emerges here, especially at higher CEFR levels. While A2 learners typically use the indicative, French grammar often requires the subjunctive mood in the subordinate clause when the main verb of opinion is negative or interrogative, implying doubt or uncertainty about the truth of the subordinate clause.
8
[Subject] + ne + [Conjugated verb] + pas + que/qu' + [Subordinate clause (often Subjunctive mood)]
9
Je ne pense pas que ce soit facile. (I don't think that it is easy.) (soit is subjunctive)
10
Nous ne croyons pas qu'il dise la vérité. (We don't believe that he is telling the truth.) (dise is subjunctive)
11
For A2, you may still hear or use the indicative, but be aware of this common B1/B2 shift to the subjunctive for expressing non-factuality or doubt. For example, Je ne pense pas qu'il est là is technically acceptable in casual speech, though Je ne pense pas qu'il soit là is grammatically more precise.
12
Interrogative Statements: You can form questions using inversion or est-ce que.
13
[Inverted verb-subject] + que/qu' + [Subordinate clause (often Subjunctive mood)]?
14
Penses-tu qu'il vienne ? (Do you think that he is coming?) (vienne is subjunctive)
15
Croyez-vous qu'elle puisse le faire ? (Do you believe that she can do it?) (puisse is subjunctive)
16
Est-ce que vous trouvez que c'est juste ? (Do you find that it is fair?) (est is indicative, as trouver in the interrogative doesn't always trigger subjunctive, especially for personal judgment). The nuance here is complex and often depends on whether the question implies doubt or merely seeks an opinion. For A2, focus on the structure; the mood shift is a later refinement.

When To Use It

Selecting the correct verb depends on the type of opinion you wish to express. Each verb conveys a subtly different shade of meaning, reflecting the origin of your thought process.
  • Penser que (to think that): Use penser que for logical reasoning, intellectual consideration, or general, neutral opinions. This is your go-to for conclusions drawn from reflection, observation, or commonly accepted ideas. It implies a rational basis for your thought. Penser is the most versatile and often the safest choice if you are unsure.
  • Je pense que la nouvelle loi est nécessaire. (I think that the new law is necessary.) – Implies a reasoned conclusion.
  • Nous pensons que l'économie va s'améliorer. (We think that the economy will improve.) – A considered expectation.
  • Tu penses qu'il est important d'étudier le français ? (Do you think that it is important to study French?) – Seeking a considered opinion.
  • Croire que (to believe that): Employ croire que when expressing beliefs, convictions, hypotheses, or intuitions. This verb often carries a sense of less certainty than penser que, or it relates to matters of faith, hope, or personal conviction rather than strict logic. It is akin to "I reckon" or "I suppose" in some contexts, but also for firm personal beliefs.
  • Je crois que son histoire est vraie. (I believe that his story is true.) – Based on trust or intuition, not necessarily proof.
  • On croit qu'il y aura du soleil demain. (We believe that there will be sun tomorrow.) – An expectation or hope, perhaps based on a forecast.
  • Vous croyez en l'amour éternel ? (Do you believe in eternal love?) – (Note croire en for believing in something, distinct from croire que for believing that something is true).
  • Trouver que (to find/think that): Use trouver que specifically for subjective judgments, personal evaluations, or aesthetic appraisals. This verb is perfect for expressing how you "find" something to be in terms of its quality, appearance, taste, or impact on you. It strongly emphasizes the personal nature of the assessment.
  • Je trouve que ce café est délicieux. (I find that this coffee is delicious.) – A personal taste judgment.
  • Elles trouvent que le nouveau professeur est très dynamique. (They find that the new professor is very dynamic.) – A personal assessment of character.
  • Tu trouves que cette robe te va bien ? (Do you find that this dress suits you well?) – Seeking a subjective opinion on appearance.

When Not To Use It

Understanding when not to use these verbs is as crucial as knowing when to use them. Misapplications can lead to unnatural-sounding French or even convey unintended meanings.
  • Avoiding penser que for strong subjective reactions: While Je pense que cette chanson est belle is grammatically correct, Je trouve que cette chanson est belle is far more idiomatic and natural for expressing an aesthetic judgment. Penser feels more intellectual; trouver captures the personal impression.
  • Do not use croire que for known facts: It would be highly unusual to say Je crois que la France est en Europe (I believe that France is in Europe). This implies uncertainty about a universally accepted fact. For such statements, a direct declaration or Je sais que... (I know that...) is appropriate.
  • Never use trouver que for objective truths or facts: This is a significant error. Trouver introduces a personal assessment, not a universal truth. You cannot say Je trouve que deux et deux font quatre (I find that two plus two make four). The earth is round; you don't "find" it to be so, you know it. Stick to penser que for logical conclusions about facts, or simply state the fact directly.
  • Avoid redundancy with other opinion phrases: Phrases like À mon avis (in my opinion) or Selon moi (according to me) already convey opinion. Combining them directly with penser que can be redundant, e.e., À mon avis, je pense que... is poor style. Choose one method of expression.

Common Mistakes

French learners frequently encounter specific challenges when using penser, croire, and trouver. Awareness of these common pitfalls can significantly accelerate your mastery.
  • Omitting que/qu': This is the most prevalent error. Influenced by English, where "that" is often dropped, learners might say Je pense il est intelligent instead of the correct Je pense qu'il est intelligent. Remember, que/qu' is mandatory to introduce the subordinate clause expressing the content of your thought.
  • Confusing penser que with penser à and penser de: These are distinct constructions with different meanings:
  • Penser que means "to think that" and introduces a full clause (Je pense que tu as raison.).
  • Penser à means "to think about/of" (focusing on an idea, person, or object). It takes an object directly or after a preposition. Je pense à mes vacances. (I'm thinking about my holidays.) Il pense à toi. (He's thinking of you.)
  • Penser de means "to have an opinion about" or "to think of something/someone" in terms of judgment. It is typically used with a direct object or pronoun. It's often seen in questions like Qu'est-ce que tu penses de ce film ? (What do you think of this film?). The answer might be J'en pense du bien. (I think well of it.)
  • Incorrect croire conjugation: Many learners misconjugate croire, particularly the nous and vous forms, forgetting the y (e.g., nous croions instead of nous croyons). Conversely, some incorrectly add a y to the ils/elles form (e.g., ils croyent instead of ils croient). Review the conjugation table carefully.
  • Using trouver que for objective statements: As emphasized, trouver que is for subjective assessment. Je trouve que le soleil est une étoile is incorrect; the sun's stellar nature is a scientific fact, not a personal finding.
  • Over-reliance on penser que: While grammatically safe, exclusively using penser que limits your expressive range. French speakers naturally differentiate between a logical thought, a belief, and a personal judgment. Varying your verbs makes your French sound more natural and sophisticated.

Memory Trick

To help differentiate between these three verbs, consider their core essence:

- Penser: Think Pondering. It implies mental processing, logic, or general consideration. (Head-based)

- Croire: Think Conviction. It suggests belief, intuition, or a less provable assertion. (Heart-based)

- Trouver: Think Taste or Take (on something). It relates to personal judgment, assessment, or how you perceive something to be. (Sensory/subjective)

Another way: Penser is for Proof/Logic. Croire is for Confidence/Faith. Trouver is for Taste/Opinion. This quick association can guide your choice in real-time conversations.

Real Conversations

Observing these verbs in authentic contexts reveals their practical application and nuances. Here are examples reflecting modern French usage:

- In a text message about plans:

- Je pense qu'il faut partir tôt pour éviter les embouteillages. (I think we need to leave early to avoid traffic jams.) – A logical deduction.

- Je crois qu'on est en avance, pas la peine de stresser. (I believe we're early, no need to stress.) – An intuition or hopeful assessment.

- Je trouve que cette idée est géniale ! On devrait la proposer. (I find this idea great! We should propose it.) – A strong subjective judgment.

- During a casual discussion about current events:

- Beaucoup de gens pensent que la situation va s'améliorer. (Many people think that the situation will improve.) – A general observation of common thought.

- Personnellement, je crois que les mesures actuelles sont insuffisantes. (Personally, I believe that the current measures are insufficient.) – A personal conviction.

- Franchement, je trouve que les médias en font trop. (Frankly, I find that the media are overdoing it.) – A subjective critique.

- In an online review or comment:

- Je trouve que le service client est irréprochable. (I find that the customer service is faultless.) – A direct evaluation of quality.

- Je pense que le prix est justifié par la qualité. (I think that the price is justified by the quality.) – A reasoned opinion on value.

- Je crois que ce produit est un investissement sûr. (I believe that this product is a safe investment.) – A confident recommendation based on belief.

Notice how the choice of verb subtly alters the perceived basis and strength of the opinion, making communication more precise and nuanced.

Contrast With Similar Patterns

French offers several ways to express opinions, and it's essential not to confuse penser, croire, and trouver with other related expressions.
  • À mon avis / Selon moi (In my opinion / According to me):
  • These are adverbial phrases, meaning they modify a sentence without being a verb introducing a clause. They are typically placed at the beginning of a sentence. They do not require que.
  • À mon avis, le français est une belle langue. (In my opinion, French is a beautiful language.)
  • Selon moi, la solution est simple. (According to me, the solution is simple.)
  • Distinction: While conveying similar meaning, À mon avis often feels slightly more direct and personal, often used in less formal contexts. Selon moi can carry a slightly more formal or authoritative tone, suggesting the opinion is well-considered, possibly based on your specific knowledge or perspective. You would use À mon avis to express a casual thought, while Selon moi might be used when presenting a point in a discussion or debate.
  • Il me semble que (It seems to me that):
  • This impersonal construction is similar to penser que but often conveys a greater degree of uncertainty or an impression rather than a firm thought. It's softer and less assertive.
  • Il me semble qu'il va pleuvoir. (It seems to me that it's going to rain.) – Less certain than Je pense qu'il va pleuvoir.
  • This construction often triggers the subjunctive in the negative, similar to penser que.
  • Je suis d'accord que vs. Je suis d'accord avec (I agree that / I agree with):
  • Je suis d'accord que introduces a clause, often requiring the subjunctive if the agreement is about a specific action or state of being. Je suis d'accord que tu aies raison. (I agree that you are right.) This is a more advanced construction.
  • Je suis d'accord avec is followed by a noun or pronoun. It expresses agreement with a person or an idea. Je suis d'accord avec ton analyse. (I agree with your analysis.) Je suis d'accord avec toi. (I agree with you.) These are distinct from expressing your own opinion using penser, croire, or trouver.

Progressive Practice

1

Consistent, targeted practice is key to internalizing the correct usage of penser, croire, and trouver. Here's a structured approach:

2

- Contextual Reading and Listening: Actively pay attention to how native speakers use these verbs in French media (news articles, podcasts, YouTube videos, movies, social media). Note down sentences and analyze why a particular verb was chosen. For instance, observe if trouver is used for film critiques or penser for political commentary.

3

- Sentence Building Exercises: Take simple statements and practice introducing them with each of the three verbs, then reflect on the subtle change in meaning.

4

- Starting sentence: Le restaurant est bon.

5

- Je pense que le restaurant est bon. (Logical thought)

6

- Je crois que le restaurant est bon. (Belief/Intuition)

7

- Je trouve que le restaurant est bon. (Subjective judgment/taste)

8

- Journaling/Writing Prompts: Dedicate time to writing short paragraphs or journal entries on various topics. Intentionally use penser, croire, and trouver to express different types of opinions. For example, write about your thoughts on a book (penser), your beliefs about the future (croire), or your impressions of a new city (trouver).

9

- Role-Playing and Conversation Practice: Engage in mock debates or discussions with a language partner or tutor. Focus on expressing and justifying your opinions, making a conscious effort to select the most appropriate verb. Pay close attention to including que/qu' every time.

10

- Flashcards with Scenarios: Create flashcards with an English sentence expressing an opinion, then write the three French versions (penser, croire, trouver) on the back. Indicate which one is the most natural or idiomatic for that specific context. For example, for "I think the new movie is fantastic," Je trouve que le nouveau film est fantastique would be the most natural.

Quick FAQ

These frequently asked questions address common points of confusion concisely.
  • Q: Can I always substitute penser que for croire que or trouver que?
  • A: Grammatically, often yes, especially at an A2 level, as penser que is the most neutral. However, doing so will make your French less precise and less natural. Native speakers use these verbs to convey specific nuances, and omitting these distinctions makes your language less expressive. Aim for accuracy, not just correctness.
  • Q: Is que always mandatory after these verbs when expressing an opinion?
  • A: Yes, absolutely. When penser, croire, or trouver introduce a clause containing the content of your opinion, que (or qu') is required. This is a fundamental structural difference from English and cannot be omitted.
  • Q: What is the difference between croire and croire en?
  • A: Croire que means "to believe that" and introduces a factual statement or opinion (Je crois qu'il est honnête.). Croire en means "to believe in" and refers to believing in the existence or value of a person, concept, or deity (Je crois en Dieu., Je crois en toi.). These are distinct uses of the verb croire.
  • Q: Does trouver also mean "to find" (an object)?
  • A: Yes, trouver literally means "to find" (e.g., J'ai trouvé mes clés. - I found my keys). When followed by que, it takes on the meaning of "to find/consider something to be" or "to think that" in a subjective sense. Context always clarifies which meaning is intended.
  • Q: How do these verbs behave in the negative?
  • A: In negative sentences (e.g., Je ne pense pas que...), these verbs often trigger the subjunctive mood in the subordinate clause (e.g., Je ne pense pas qu'il vienne. instead of Je ne pense pas qu'il vient.). This is because negation introduces doubt or uncertainty, making the statement in the subordinate clause no longer presented as a certainty. While often learned at B1/B2, it is a key characteristic of these verbs.
  • Q: Are there any liaison rules to remember?
  • A: Yes, particularly with qu'il and qu'elle, where the t of que is not pronounced, but the k sound flows into the vowel. In formal speech or certain inversions, you might encounter liaisons with the plural verb forms, for instance, Pensent-ils (pronounced as panss-til). Pay attention to native pronunciation for natural flow.

Present Tense Conjugation

Pronoun Penser Trouver Croire
Je
pense
trouve
crois
Tu
penses
trouves
crois
Il/Elle
pense
trouve
croit
Nous
pensons
trouvons
croyons
Vous
pensez
trouvez
croyez
Ils/Elles
pensent
trouvent
croient

Meanings

These verbs are the foundation for expressing subjective viewpoints, beliefs, and personal assessments in French.

1

Opinion/Assessment

Expressing a personal judgment about a quality.

“Je trouve ce livre intéressant.”

“Tu trouves la leçon difficile ?”

2

Thought/Opinion

Expressing an intellectual position or thought.

“Je pense qu'il va pleuvoir.”

“Que penses-tu de cette idée ?”

3

Belief/Conviction

Expressing a belief in the truth of something.

“Je crois qu'il a raison.”

“Crois-tu aux fantômes ?”

Reference Table

Reference table for Expressing Opinions (Penser, Croire, Trouver)
Form Structure Example
Affirmative
S + V + que + clause
Je pense qu'il est là.
Negative
S + ne + V + pas + que
Je ne pense pas qu'il soit là.
Question
V + S + que
Penses-tu qu'il vienne ?
Evaluation
S + V + Object + Adj
Je trouve ce film bon.
Belief
S + V + en + Object
Je crois en toi.
Short Answer
Oui/Non + S + V
Je crois que oui.

Formality Spectrum

Formal
Je pense que c'est satisfaisant.

Je pense que c'est satisfaisant. (Opinion)

Neutral
Je pense que c'est bon.

Je pense que c'est bon. (Opinion)

Informal
Je trouve ça pas mal.

Je trouve ça pas mal. (Opinion)

Slang
C'est pas dégueu.

C'est pas dégueu. (Opinion)

Opinion Verbs Map

Opinion Verbs

Intellectual

  • penser to think

Evaluative

  • trouver to find

Conviction

  • croire to believe
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Examples by Level

1

Je pense que c'est bien.

I think it is good.

2

Je trouve ce film super.

I find this movie great.

3

Tu crois ça ?

Do you believe that?

4

Je pense à toi.

I am thinking of you.

1

Je ne pense pas qu'il soit là.

I don't think he is here.

2

Que trouves-tu de ce livre ?

What do you find of this book?

3

Je crois qu'il a raison.

I believe he is right.

4

Nous trouvons la situation difficile.

We find the situation difficult.

1

Je ne crois pas que ce soit une bonne idée.

I don't believe that is a good idea.

2

Il pense pouvoir réussir.

He thinks he can succeed.

3

Trouves-tu que le prix est justifié ?

Do you find the price justified?

4

Elle croit en ses capacités.

She believes in her abilities.

1

Je trouve regrettable qu'il ne soit pas venu.

I find it regrettable that he didn't come.

2

On pense souvent à tort que...

One often wrongly thinks that...

3

Je crois dur comme fer à ce projet.

I firmly believe in this project.

4

Il trouve cette mesure inefficace.

He finds this measure ineffective.

1

Je pense que la situation mérite réflexion.

I think the situation deserves reflection.

2

Il faut croire que les choses changent.

One must believe that things change.

3

Je trouve cette analyse particulièrement pertinente.

I find this analysis particularly relevant.

4

Penser à soi n'est pas toujours égoïste.

Thinking of oneself is not always selfish.

1

Je ne saurais croire à une telle coïncidence.

I could not believe in such a coincidence.

2

Il trouve à redire sur tout.

He finds fault with everything.

3

Penser que tout est acquis est une erreur.

Thinking that everything is guaranteed is a mistake.

4

Croire en l'impossible est le propre de l'homme.

Believing in the impossible is human nature.

Easily Confused

Expressing Opinions (Penser, Croire, Trouver) vs Penser à vs Penser de

Learners confuse 'thinking about' (à) with 'opinion of' (de).

Expressing Opinions (Penser, Croire, Trouver) vs Croire vs Croire en

Learners use them interchangeably.

Expressing Opinions (Penser, Croire, Trouver) vs Trouver vs Penser

Learners use them interchangeably for opinions.

Common Mistakes

✗

Je trouve que bon.

✓

Je trouve que c'est bon.

Trouver needs a subject/verb after 'que'.
✗

Je pense le film.

✓

Je trouve le film bon.

Penser cannot take a direct object like this.
✗

Je crois que il est là.

✓

Je crois qu'il est là.

Elision is required.
✗

Je pense à que...

✓

Je pense que...

Penser que does not take 'à'.
✗

Je ne pense pas qu'il est.

✓

Je ne pense pas qu'il soit.

Negative opinion verbs often trigger subjunctive.
✗

Je trouve que difficile.

✓

Je trouve ça difficile.

Need a pronoun if no subject.
✗

Crois-tu en ce ?

✓

Crois-tu à cela ?

Use 'cela' for things.
✗

Je crois que je viendrais.

✓

Je crois que je viendrai.

Future tense is needed.
✗

Il pense de moi.

✓

Il pense à moi.

Penser à = thinking of.
✗

Je trouve que c'est le meilleur.

✓

Je trouve que c'est le meilleur.

Correct, but watch for agreement.
✗

Je pense que ce soit vrai.

✓

Je pense que c'est vrai.

Affirmative 'penser' takes indicative.
✗

Il croit en Dieu.

✓

Il croit en Dieu.

Correct.
✗

Je trouve à redire.

✓

Je trouve à redire.

Correct.
✗

Il croit de savoir.

✓

Il croit savoir.

No preposition after croire.

Sentence Patterns

Je ___ que c'est ___.

___-tu que c'est ___ ?

Je ne ___ pas que c'est ___.

Je ___ en ___.

Real World Usage

Social Media constant

Je trouve ce post génial !

Texting constant

Tu penses quoi ?

Job Interview very common

Je pense que mes compétences sont adaptées.

Travel common

Je trouve cet hôtel très propre.

Food Delivery common

Je trouve que la pizza est bonne.

Academic Discussion common

Je crois que cette théorie est erronée.

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💡

The 'Que' Rule

Always use 'que' after 'penser' and 'croire' when followed by a full sentence.
⚠️

Don't forget the adjective

If you use 'trouver', you must include an adjective or a 'que' clause.
🎯

Use 'trouver' for quick opinions

It's the most natural way to express a quick opinion about something.
💬

Softening opinions

Use 'Je trouve que...' to make your opinion sound less aggressive.

Smart Tips

Use 'Je trouve que...' instead of 'Je pense que...' for a more personal touch.

Je pense que ce film est bon. → Je trouve ce film bon.

Use 'Je crois que...' to express your belief.

Je pense qu'il est vrai. → Je crois qu'il est vrai.

Always use 'penser à'.

Je pense lui. → Je pense à lui.

Use 'Je pense que' for intellectual arguments.

Je trouve que la politique est complexe. → Je pense que la politique est complexe.

Pronunciation

qu'il [kil]

Elision

The 'e' in 'que' drops before a vowel.

pensez-en [pɑ̃sezɑ̃]

Liaison

Liaison occurs after 'pensez' or 'trouvez' if followed by a vowel.

Rising for questions

Tu penses que c'est vrai ? ↗

Inquiry

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Penser is for the brain, Croire is for the heart, Trouver is for the eyes.

Visual Association

Imagine a brain for 'penser', a heart for 'croire', and a magnifying glass for 'trouver'.

Rhyme

Pour dire ce que je pense, je choisis bien mon verbe, pour ne pas faire de dépense, de mots qui sont imberbes.

Story

Marc thinks (pense) about his day. He believes (croit) he did well. He finds (trouve) his work good.

Word Web

pensercroiretrouveravisopinionjugementconviction

Challenge

Write 3 sentences about your day using each verb once.

Cultural Notes

French people value directness in opinions but often use 'je trouve' to soften the blow.

Quebecers often use 'penser' more liberally in casual speech.

The use of these verbs is similar to standard French but often incorporates local particles.

These verbs derive from Latin: 'pensare' (to weigh), 'credere' (to believe), and 'tropare' (to find).

Conversation Starters

“

Que penses-tu de ce film ?

“

Crois-tu aux extraterrestres ?

“

Trouves-tu que le français est difficile ?

“

Que penses-tu de la situation actuelle ?

Journal Prompts

Décris ton film préféré.
Crois-tu que le travail à distance est l'avenir ?
Donne ton avis sur un sujet d'actualité.
Réfléchis à tes objectifs futurs.

Common Mistakes

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

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Test Yourself

Fill in the correct verb.

Je ___ que c'est une bonne idée.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: pense
Penser is used for thoughts.
Choose the correct verb. Multiple Choice

Je ___ ce film génial.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: trouve
Trouver + adjective.
Fix the sentence. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

Je trouve que bon.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Je trouve que c'est bon.
Need subject/verb.
Reorder the words. Sentence Reorder

Arrange the words in the correct order:

All words placed

Click words above to build the sentence

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Je pense que c'est vrai.
Correct word order.
Translate to French. Translation

I believe you.

Answer starts with: Je ...

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Je te crois.
Croire = to believe.
Choose the correct verb. Multiple Choice

Je ___ en toi.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: crois
Croire en = believe in.
Fill in the correct verb.

Que ___ -tu de cette situation ?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: penses
Penser de = opinion.
Choose the correct verb. Multiple Choice

Je ne ___ pas qu'il vienne.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: pense
Penser que in negative.

Score: /8

Practice Exercises

8 exercises
Fill in the correct verb.

Je ___ que c'est une bonne idée.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: pense
Penser is used for thoughts.
Choose the correct verb. Multiple Choice

Je ___ ce film génial.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: trouve
Trouver + adjective.
Fix the sentence. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

Je trouve que bon.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Je trouve que c'est bon.
Need subject/verb.
Reorder the words. Sentence Reorder

que / je / pense / c'est / vrai

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Je pense que c'est vrai.
Correct word order.
Translate to French. Translation

I believe you.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Je te crois.
Croire = to believe.
Choose the correct verb. Multiple Choice

Je ___ en toi.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: crois
Croire en = believe in.
Fill in the correct verb.

Que ___ -tu de cette situation ?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: penses
Penser de = opinion.
Choose the correct verb. Multiple Choice

Je ne ___ pas qu'il vienne.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: pense
Penser que in negative.

Score: /8

Practice Bank

10 exercises
Fill in the blank Fill in the Blank

Nous ___ que c'est une excellente idée.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: pensons
Find and fix the mistake Error Correction

Je pense de ce film est génial.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Je pense que ce film est génial.
Reorder the words to form a correct sentence. Sentence Reorder

trouve / que / Je / c'est / cher / trop

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Je trouve que c'est trop cher
Translate to French Translation

I believe that he is here.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Je crois qu'il est ici.
Which verb is best for saying a pizza tastes good? Multiple Choice

Choose the best verb:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Trouver
Fill in the blank with 'que' or 'qu''. Fill in the Blank

Je crois ___ elle va arriver tard.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: qu'
Match the verb to its nuance. Match Pairs

Match these:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Penser = Logic
Fix the conjugation mistake. Error Correction

Ils croyent que c'est fini.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Ils croient que c'est fini.
Form the question. Sentence Reorder

tu / penses / qu' / Est-ce que / il / pleuvra ?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Est-ce que tu penses qu'il pleuvra ?
Translate to French Translation

I find that this app is useful.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Je trouve que cette application est utile.

Score: /10

FAQ (8)

No, 'penser' is for thoughts. Use 'trouver' for evaluations.

It connects the verb to the following clause.

No, it means 'to believe' in any context.

It's the standard structure for giving an opinion.

Only if you use 'penser à'.

Use 'Qu'en penses-tu ?' or 'Que trouves-tu de...?'

Only 'croire' has irregular forms.

Yes, but be careful with register.

Scaffolded Practice

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2

3

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4

4

Mastery Progress

Needs Practice

Improving

Strong

Mastered

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In Other Languages

Spanish high

pensar, creer, encontrar

Spanish uses subjunctive after 'pensar' in affirmative, French does not.

German high

denken, glauben, finden

German 'glauben' is used for both belief and opinion.

Japanese moderate

omou, shinjiru, mitsukeru

Japanese doesn't have a direct equivalent to 'trouver' for opinions.

Arabic moderate

yufakkir, yu'min, yajid

Arabic uses different structures for belief.

Chinese moderate

xiǎng, xiāngxìn, juéde

Chinese 'xiǎng' is more about intention.

English high

think, believe, find

English 'find' requires an adjective.

Learning Path

Prerequisites

Previous
French Present Tense: Mastering Verbs (Le Présent)

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