B1 Subjunctive 11 min read Medium

Saying 'Maybe': Using 'il est possible que' + Subjunctive

Use il est possible que + Subjunctive to express uncertainty in modern, everyday French conversations and messages.
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Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds

When you say 'it is possible that' in French, the verb that follows must always be in the subjunctive mood.

  • Use 'Il est possible que' to express uncertainty about an action.
  • The verb following 'que' must be conjugated in the subjunctive mood (e.g., 'qu'il vienne').
  • If the subject changes, you must use the subjunctive; if it's the same, use an infinitive.
Il est possible que + [Subject] + [Subjunctive Verb]

Overview

French grammar utilizes various moods to convey the speaker's perspective on an action or state. While the Indicative mood presents information as factual, certain, or real, the Subjunctive mood (le subjonctif) is reserved for expressing subjectivity, doubt, desire, emotion, judgment, and possibility. As an intermediate B1 French learner, you are developing the capacity to articulate more complex thoughts and nuanced perspectives.

The impersonal expression il est possible que is fundamental for articulating possibility or uncertainty, squarely positioning it within the Subjunctive's domain.

This construction signifies that the event or action described is not a confirmed reality but rather a potential occurrence. It inherently introduces a degree of hypothesis or lack of certainty. Mastering il est possible que allows for more precise communication in French, enabling you to articulate scenarios that are conceivable but not guaranteed—a frequent requirement in daily conversations, academic discussions, and professional contexts.

Neglecting the Subjunctive here would result in less nuanced French, failing to differentiate between established facts and mere conjectures, a distinction native speakers make naturally.

Consider the subtle yet crucial difference between stating Les magasins sont ouverts le dimanche. (The stores are open on Sunday – a fact) and Il est possible que les magasins soient ouverts le dimanche. (It is possible that the stores are open on Sunday – a possibility). The grammatical choice directly impacts the meaning conveyed. This rule serves as a cornerstone for expressing conditional or uncertain realities, reflecting a speaker's careful assessment rather than a definitive assertion.

How This Grammar Works

The requirement for the Subjunctive after il est possible que stems from the inherent subjectivity and non-assertion of fact within the main clause: il est possible. In French, any expression that fundamentally questions the reality, certainty, or factuality of a subordinate clause's content typically triggers the Subjunctive in that dependent clause. The adjective possible itself signals that the subsequent event is merely an option, not a definite occurrence or an established truth.
This linguistic principle dictates that when the main clause expresses a subjective assessment—such as doubt, a wish, a judgment, possibility, necessity, or emotion—regarding the action in the dependent clause, the dependent verb shifts from the factual Indicative to the subjective Subjunctive. The conjunction que (that) is the crucial link, connecting the impersonal expression il est possible to the subordinate clause containing the uncertain action. This que is not optional; it explicitly introduces the dependent verb, signaling the mood shift.
For instance, if you declare Il vient. (He is coming – a fact), you use the Indicative. However, when you introduce il est possible que, as in Il est possible qu'il vienne. (It is possible that he is coming.), the verb venir transforms into its Subjunctive form, vienne. This grammatical transformation consistently applies to all verbs following il est possible que.
The main clause thus governs the mood of the subordinate one, ensuring the entire sentence accurately reflects the speaker's subjective stance rather than presenting a certainty.
Contrast il est possible que with the adverbial phrase peut-être (perhaps, maybe). While both convey possibility, their grammatical structures differ profoundly, leading to distinct mood requirements. Peut-être qu'il viendra demain. (Perhaps he will come tomorrow.) uses the Indicative (here, the future simple).
This is because peut-être acts as a simple adverb, modifying the entire independent statement, or preceding a clause without creating a subordinate structure that demands the Subjunctive. The clause qu'il viendra demain remains an independent assertion, merely prefaced by an adverb of doubt. With il est possible que, however, the que-clause is grammatically dependent on il est possible, which explicitly casts doubt on its reality.
Therefore, il est possible que functions as an impersonal expression that governs the mood of the dependent clause, forcing the Subjunctive, whereas peut-être does not.
Understanding this distinction is key to accurately deploying the Subjunctive. The fundamental pattern is: Il est possible que + subject + verb in the Subjunctive.
  • Il est possible que le train soit en retard. (It is possible that the train is late.) – Here, soit is the Subjunctive of être.
  • Il est possible que tu puisses m'aider. (It is possible that you can help me.) – puisses is the Subjunctive of pouvoir.
  • Il est possible qu'elle comprenne la situation. (It is possible that she understands the situation.) – comprenne is the Subjunctive of comprendre.

Formation Pattern

1
Conjugating verbs into the Présent du Subjonctif (Present Subjunctive) generally follows a predictable pattern, though, like all French conjugation, it features its share of irregularities. For most regular verbs, the process involves a specific stem derivation and the application of unique endings.
2
Identify the ils/elles form of the verb in the Present Indicative tense. This form often provides the base stem. For example, the ils/elles form for parler is ils parlent, for finir it is ils finissent, and for vendre it is ils vendent.
3
Remove the -ent ending from this ils/elles form. The remainder is typically your Subjunctive stem.
4
parl- from ils parlent
5
finiss- from ils finissent
6
vend- from ils vendent
7
Add the specific Subjunctive endings to this derived stem.
8
Here are the regular Present Subjunctive endings:
9
| Person | Ending | Example (parler -> parl-) | Example (finir -> finiss-) | Example (vendre -> vend-) |
10
| :------------------ | :----- | :------------------------------ | :--------------------------------- | :----------------------------- |
11
| que je | -e | que je parle | que je finisse | que je vende |
12
| que tu | -es | que tu parles | que tu finisses | que tu vendes |
13
| qu'il/elle/on | -e | qu'il parle | qu'il finisse | qu'il vende |
14
| que nous | -ions | que nous parlions | que nous finissions | que nous vendions |
15
| que vous | -iez | que vous parliez | que vous finissiez | que vous vendiez |
16
| qu'ils/elles | -ent | qu'ils parlent | qu'ils finissent | qu'ils vendent |
17
Important Pronunciation and Orthographic Note: Notice that for -er verbs, the je, tu, il/elle/on, and ils/elles forms of the Present Subjunctive are often pronounced identically to their Present Indicative counterparts, and for many verbs, their written forms are also identical. However, the nous and vous forms are distinct both visually and audibly, typically using the stem from the Imparfait Indicatif (imperfect indicative), giving them characteristic -ions and -iez endings. This distinction is crucial and a common point of error for learners. For instance, nous parlons (Indicative) vs. que nous parlions (Subjunctive).
18
Common Irregular Subjunctive Verbs:
19
Many high-frequency verbs have entirely irregular Subjunctive stems and sometimes irregular endings, especially for the nous and vous forms. These forms deviate from the standard ils/elles stem rule for all persons and require memorization.
20
| Verb | que je | que tu | qu'il/elle/on | que nous | que vous | qu'ils/elles |
21
| :---------- | :---------- | :---------- | :-------------- | :------------ | :------------ | :------------- |
22
| être | sois | sois | soit | soyons | soyez | soient |
23
| avoir | aie | aies | ait | ayons | ayez | aient |
24
| aller | aille | ailles | aille | allions | alliez | aillent |
25
| faire | fasse | fasses | fasse | fassions | fassiez | fassent |
26
| savoir | sache | saches | sache | sachions | sachiez | sachent |
27
| pouvoir | puisse | puisses | puisse | puissions | puissiez | puissent |
28
| vouloir | veuille | veuilles | veuille | voulions | vouliez | veuillent |
29
| venir | vienne | viennes | vienne | venions | veniez | viennent |
30
| prendre | prenne | prennes | prenne | prenions | preniez | prennent |
31
| voir | voie | voies | voie | voyions | voyiez | voient |
32
| boire | boive | boives | boive | buvions | buviez | boivent |
33
| croire | croie | croies | croie | croyions | croyiez | croient |
34
| devoir | doive | doives | doive | devions | deviez | doivent |
35
| recevoir| reçoive | reçoives | reçoive | recevions | receviez | reçoivent |
36
| tenir | tienne | tiennes | tienne | tenions | teniez | tiennent |
37
| dire | dise | dises | dise | disions | disiez | disent |
38
| écrire | écrive | écrives | écrive | écrivions | écriviez | écrivent |
39
| lire | lise | lises | lise | lisions | lisiez | lisent |
40
| mettre | mette | mettes | mette | mettions | mettiez | mettent |
41
Defective Verbs: Some verbs are only used in certain forms within the Subjunctive, typically impersonal verbs:
42
falloir (to be necessary): only qu'il faille
43
pleuvoir (to rain): only qu'il pleuve
44
Verbs with Stem Changes or Spelling Adjustments:
45
Certain verbs undergo minor stem or spelling modifications, often in their nous and vous forms, to preserve pronunciation or adhere to orthographic rules:
46
Verbs ending in -ger (e.g., manger): To maintain the soft 'g' sound, a silent e is inserted before -ions/-iez: que nous mangions. This prevents the 'g' from being pronounced hard like in nous mangeons.
47
Verbs ending in -cer (e.g., commencer): To maintain the soft 'c' sound, ç is used before -ions/-iez: que nous commencions. This prevents the 'c' from being pronounced hard like in nous commençons.
48
Verbs ending in -yer (e.g., payer): The y changes to i in je, tu, il/elle/on, ils/elles forms but remains y in nous, vous: que je paie, que tu paies, qu'il paie, que nous payions, que vous payiez, qu'ils paient. This reflects the different phonetic environments.
49
Verbs ending in -ier (e.g., étudier): The nous and vous forms will have a double i: que nous étudiions, que vous étudiiez. This is grammatically correct and not a typographical error.
50
Once the verb is correctly conjugated into the Subjunctive, simply combine it with il est possible que.
51
Il est possible que nous allions au marché. (It is possible that we go to the market.)
52
Il est possible qu'il finisse à temps. (It is possible that he finishes on time.)
53
The Passé du Subjonctif: While less common in everyday spoken French, especially at the B1 level, the Passé du Subjonctif (Past Subjunctive) exists for actions completed before the main clause. It is formed with the Present Subjunctive of the auxiliary verb (avoir or être) followed by the past participle of the main verb.
54
Il est possible qu'il ait oublié son passeport. (It is possible that he has forgotten his passport.)
55
Il est possible qu'elle soit partie avant l'aube. (It is possible that she left before dawn.)
56
This tense is generally encountered in more formal writing. For B1 learners, focus primarily on mastering the Present Subjunctive forms.

When To Use It

You should employ il est possible que whenever you need to express that an event or state is not certain but is genuinely conceivable. This covers a wide array of situations where an element of doubt, hypothesis, or potential future occurrence precludes definitive confirmation. It offers a formal yet natural method to temper your assertions, allowing for greater nuance in your communication.
  1. 1Expressing General Possibility or Doubt: This is the most direct application. When you believe something could happen, but you lack absolute certainty, il est possible que is appropriate. It indicates that you are not committing to the reality of the statement.
  • Il est possible qu'il pleuve cet après-midi. (It is possible that it rains this afternoon.) – Used when discussing weather forecasts or uncertain predictions. The forecast may indicate rain, but it isn't guaranteed.
  • Il est possible que le magasin soit fermé aujourd'hui. (It is possible that the store is closed today.) – When you are unsure about current opening hours or have heard conflicting information, and wish to convey this uncertainty.
  1. 1Hypothesizing about Future Events: When speculating on potential future occurrences, especially in planning, predictions, or informal discussions. While the Future Simple Indicative states a future event as a fact (Il viendra demain.), il est possible que introduces a future possibility, acknowledging an element of uncertainty or contingency.
  • Il est possible que je finisse mon rapport avant vendredi. (It is possible that I finish my report before Friday.) – Expressing a potential completion time, but workload or unforeseen issues might prevent it. This allows for a flexible commitment.
  • Il est possible que nous partions en vacances en mai. (It is possible that we go on holiday in May.) – Discussing tentative travel plans that are not yet confirmed. This contrasts directly with Nous partirons en vacances en mai. (We will go on holiday in May), which states a firm plan.
  1. 1Softening Statements or Offering Tentative Opinions: In both formal and informal settings, il est possible que can make a statement less direct and more polite or less assertive. This allows for a diplomatic distance from a firm assertion, which can be particularly useful in professional or sensitive discussions, or when you wish to avoid sounding overly dogmatic.
  • Il est possible qu'il y ait un malentendu. (It is possible that there is a misunderstanding.) – A gentle way to suggest a problem without directly accusing anyone or making a definitive judgment. This approach is common in professional communication.
  • Il est possible que cette solution soit la plus efficace. (It is possible that this solution is the most efficient.) – Presenting an idea as a strong possibility or hypothesis rather than an absolute truth, thereby inviting further discussion and avoiding premature closure on a topic.
This construction is remarkably versatile and frequently used by native speakers to express a sophisticated range of thoughts. It moves beyond simple factual statements, allowing you to engage in discussions about probabilities, uncertainties, and potential scenarios with greater precision and politeness. Mastering this nuance demonstrates a higher level of fluency and cultural understanding, as French speakers highly value accurate expression of certainty or lack thereof.

Common Mistakes

Learners often make specific errors when attempting to use il est possible que + Subjunctive. Being aware of these pitfalls, and understanding their underlying reasons, will significantly enhance your grammatical accuracy and help you avoid miscommunication.
  1. 1Forgetting que or Using the Wrong Connector: The most fundamental error is omitting the conjunction que. In English,

Subjunctive Conjugation Patterns

Subject Verb (Parler) Verb (Finir) Verb (Être)
Je
parle
finisse
sois
Tu
parles
finisses
sois
Il/Elle
parle
finisse
soit
Nous
parlions
finissions
soyons
Vous
parliez
finissiez
soyez
Ils/Elles
parlent
finissent
soient

Elisions

Phrase Elision
que + il
qu'il
que + elle
qu'elle
que + il (plural)
qu'ils

Meanings

This structure is used to express uncertainty, possibility, or a lack of absolute fact regarding a future or present event.

1

Expressing Possibility

Indicating that an event might occur without certainty.

“Il est possible qu'elle soit en retard.”

“Il est possible que nous mangions au restaurant.”

Reference Table

Reference table for Saying 'Maybe': Using 'il est possible que' + Subjunctive
Form Structure Example
Affirmative
Il est possible que + Subjunctive
Il est possible qu'il vienne.
Negative
Il n'est pas possible que + Subjunctive
Il n'est pas possible qu'il vienne.
Question
Est-il possible que + Subjunctive ?
Est-il possible qu'il vienne ?
Past
Il est possible que + Subjunctive Passé
Il est possible qu'il soit venu.
Same subject
Il est possible de + Infinitive
Il est possible de venir.

Formality Spectrum

Formal
Il est possible qu'il vienne.

Il est possible qu'il vienne. (Social plans)

Neutral
Il est possible qu'il vienne.

Il est possible qu'il vienne. (Social plans)

Informal
C'est possible qu'il vienne.

C'est possible qu'il vienne. (Social plans)

Slang
Peut-être qu'il vient.

Peut-être qu'il vient. (Social plans)

The Possibility Map

Il est possible que

Mood

  • Subjonctif Subjunctive

Usage

  • Incertitude Uncertainty

Mood Comparison

Indicatif (Fact)
Il est certain que It is certain that
Subjonctif (Doubt)
Il est possible que It is possible that

Decision Flowchart

1

Is the subject the same?

YES
Use 'Il est possible de' + Infinitive
NO
Use 'Il est possible que' + Subjunctive

Subjunctive Triggers

💡

Impersonal Expressions

  • • Il est possible que
  • • Il faut que
  • • Il est nécessaire que
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Examples by Level

1

Il est possible que je parte.

It is possible that I leave.

2

Il est possible qu'il vienne.

It is possible that he comes.

3

Il est possible que nous mangions.

It is possible that we eat.

4

Il est possible qu'elle soit là.

It is possible that she is there.

1

Il est possible que vous soyez en retard.

It is possible that you are late.

2

Il est possible qu'ils aient faim.

It is possible that they are hungry.

3

Il n'est pas possible qu'il sache.

It is not possible that he knows.

4

Est-il possible qu'elle fasse ça ?

Is it possible that she does that?

1

Il est possible que le projet soit terminé demain.

It is possible that the project is finished tomorrow.

2

Il est possible que nous devions changer nos plans.

It is possible that we have to change our plans.

3

Il est possible qu'il ait oublié son rendez-vous.

It is possible that he forgot his appointment.

4

Il est possible que vous puissiez venir avec nous.

It is possible that you can come with us.

1

Il est possible que les conditions météorologiques empêchent le décollage.

It is possible that weather conditions prevent takeoff.

2

Il est possible que cette décision ait des conséquences graves.

It is possible that this decision has serious consequences.

3

Il est possible que nous ayons mal interprété ses intentions.

It is possible that we misinterpreted his intentions.

4

Il est possible qu'il faille revoir toute la stratégie.

It is possible that it is necessary to review the whole strategy.

1

Il est possible que, compte tenu des circonstances, nous soyons contraints d'agir.

It is possible that, given the circumstances, we are forced to act.

2

Il est possible que cette hypothèse soit infirmée par les nouvelles données.

It is possible that this hypothesis is invalidated by the new data.

3

Il est possible qu'il ait fallu plus de temps que prévu.

It is possible that more time was needed than expected.

4

Il est possible que nul ne sache la vérité.

It is possible that no one knows the truth.

1

Il est possible que la structure même du langage soit en mutation constante.

It is possible that the very structure of language is in constant mutation.

2

Il est possible qu'il ait été préférable d'attendre.

It is possible that it would have been better to wait.

3

Il est possible que cette œuvre soit le reflet d'une époque révolue.

It is possible that this work is the reflection of a bygone era.

4

Il est possible que le destin nous réserve des surprises.

It is possible that fate has surprises in store for us.

Easily Confused

Saying 'Maybe': Using 'il est possible que' + Subjunctive vs Il est probable que

Learners think 'probable' is the same as 'possible'.

Saying 'Maybe': Using 'il est possible que' + Subjunctive vs Il est certain que

Learners use subjunctive for certainty.

Saying 'Maybe': Using 'il est possible que' + Subjunctive vs Peut-être que

Learners think 'peut-être que' needs the subjunctive.

Common Mistakes

✗

Il est possible qu'il est.

✓

Il est possible qu'il soit.

Using indicative instead of subjunctive.
✗

Il est possible que je peux.

✓

Il est possible que je puisse.

Incorrect conjugation of 'pouvoir'.
✗

Il est possible de qu'il vienne.

✓

Il est possible qu'il vienne.

Mixing 'de' and 'que'.
✗

Il est possible que il vienne.

✓

Il est possible qu'il vienne.

Missing elision.
✗

Il est possible que nous mangeons.

✓

Il est possible que nous mangions.

Using present indicative ending.
✗

Il est possible que vous avez fini.

✓

Il est possible que vous ayez fini.

Using indicative for past.
✗

Est-il possible qu'il est venu ?

✓

Est-il possible qu'il soit venu ?

Indicative in question form.
✗

Il est possible que je serais.

✓

Il est possible que je sois.

Using conditional instead of subjunctive.
✗

Il est possible que il faut.

✓

Il est possible qu'il faille.

Incorrect irregular conjugation.
✗

Il est possible que ils viennent.

✓

Il est possible qu'ils viennent.

Incorrect stem for 'venir'.
✗

Il est possible que cette hypothèse est vraie.

✓

Il est possible que cette hypothèse soit vraie.

Indicative in a complex sentence.
✗

Il est possible que nous aurions dû.

✓

Il est possible que nous ayons dû.

Conditional in subjunctive clause.
✗

Il est possible que le résultat soit été.

✓

Il est possible que le résultat ait été.

Incorrect auxiliary.
✗

Il est possible que tout le monde sachent.

✓

Il est possible que tout le monde sache.

Agreement error with collective noun.

Sentence Patterns

Il est possible que ___ ___.

Est-il possible que ___ ___ ___ ?

Il n'est pas possible que ___ ___.

Il est possible que ___ ___ ___ le projet.

Real World Usage

Social Media common

Il est possible que je sois en retard au concert !

Texting very common

Il est possible qu'on se voie demain.

Job Interview common

Il est possible que je sois disponible dès lundi.

Travel common

Il est possible que le vol soit retardé.

Food Delivery occasional

Il est possible que la commande arrive avec un peu de retard.

Academic Writing common

Il est possible que ces résultats soient biaisés.

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💡

Focus on the trigger

Memorize 'Il est possible que' as a single block. Once you see it, your brain should automatically prepare for a subjunctive verb.
⚠️

Don't use indicative

The most common error is using the indicative. If you aren't sure of the subjunctive form, try to rephrase.
🎯

Practice irregulars

Focus on 'être' (soit) and 'avoir' (ait) first, as they are the most common verbs used with this structure.
💬

Listen for it

Listen to French radio or podcasts. You will hear this phrase constantly in news reports and interviews.

Smart Tips

Think 'Subjunctive'. It's a hard rule.

Il est possible qu'il vient. → Il est possible qu'il vienne.

Use the 'ils' form of the present indicative as a base.

Il est possible qu'il parlent. → Il est possible qu'il parle.

Use 'de' + infinitive if the subject is the same.

Il est possible que je vienne. → Il est possible de venir.

Use 'Il est possible que' to sound more professional.

Peut-être qu'il est là. → Il est possible qu'il soit là.

Pronunciation

qu'il -> /kil/

Elision

Always pronounce 'qu'il' as one syllable: /kil/.

Rising intonation

Il est possible qu'il vienne ↗ ?

Used when asking if it is possible.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Possibility is a 'maybe' cloud; it rains subjunctive.

Visual Association

Imagine a giant question mark (?) hanging over a verb. The verb is wearing a 'subjunctive' hat to protect itself from the uncertainty.

Rhyme

When 'possible' is in the air, the subjunctive verb is always there.

Story

Pierre is looking at the sky. He says, 'Il est possible qu'il pleuve' (It's possible it rains). He isn't sure, so he uses the subjunctive. If he were sure, he'd use the indicative, but he's just guessing.

Word Web

possiblequedouteincertitudesubjonctifpeut-être

Challenge

Write 5 sentences using 'Il est possible que' about your plans for the weekend in 5 minutes.

Cultural Notes

The subjunctive is highly valued in formal French and is a marker of education.

In casual speech, Quebecois speakers often use 'peut-être que' + indicative instead of the formal subjunctive.

Standard French rules apply, but the subjunctive is often used with great precision in formal administrative settings.

The subjunctive mood comes from the Latin 'subjunctivus', meaning 'subjoined' or 'attached'.

Conversation Starters

“

Est-il possible que tu viennes ce soir ?

“

Penses-tu qu'il est possible qu'il pleuve ?

“

Est-il possible que nous finissions le travail demain ?

“

Est-il possible qu'elle ait oublié notre rendez-vous ?

Journal Prompts

Write about your plans for the weekend using 'Il est possible que'.
Imagine a mystery. Write three things that might be true using 'Il est possible que'.
Discuss a current event and express uncertainty about the outcome.
Reflect on a past mistake and what might have happened differently.

Common Mistakes

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

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Test Yourself

Fill in the blank with the correct subjunctive form.

Il est possible qu'il (venir) ____ demain.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: b
After 'Il est possible que', we need the subjunctive.
Choose the correct sentence. Multiple Choice

Which sentence is correct?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: b
Subjunctive 'soit' is required.
Correct the error in the sentence. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

Il est possible que nous avons fini.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: b
Subjunctive past is needed.
Transform the sentence to use 'Il est possible que'. Sentence Transformation

Il viendra peut-être. -> Il est possible que...

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: b
Subjunctive is required.
Is this rule true? True False Rule

'Il est possible que' always takes the indicative.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: b
It takes the subjunctive.
Complete the dialogue. Dialogue Completion

A: Est-il possible qu'elle sache la vérité ? B: Oui, il est possible qu'elle ____.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: b
Subjunctive 'sache'.
Order the words. Sentence Building

que / il / possible / vienne / est / il

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: a
Correct word order.
Match the phrase to its meaning. Match Pairs

Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: b
Direct translation.

Score: /8

Practice Exercises

8 exercises
Fill in the blank with the correct subjunctive form.

Il est possible qu'il (venir) ____ demain.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: b
After 'Il est possible que', we need the subjunctive.
Choose the correct sentence. Multiple Choice

Which sentence is correct?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: b
Subjunctive 'soit' is required.
Correct the error in the sentence. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

Il est possible que nous avons fini.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: b
Subjunctive past is needed.
Transform the sentence to use 'Il est possible que'. Sentence Transformation

Il viendra peut-être. -> Il est possible que...

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: b
Subjunctive is required.
Is this rule true? True False Rule

'Il est possible que' always takes the indicative.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: b
It takes the subjunctive.
Complete the dialogue. Dialogue Completion

A: Est-il possible qu'elle sache la vérité ? B: Oui, il est possible qu'elle ____.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: b
Subjunctive 'sache'.
Order the words. Sentence Building

que / il / possible / vienne / est / il

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: a
Correct word order.
Match the phrase to its meaning. Match Pairs

Match: Il est possible que

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: b
Direct translation.

Score: /8

Practice Bank

10 exercises
Complete the sentence with the subjunctive of 'faire'. Fill in the Blank

Il est possible qu'il ___ beau demain.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: fasse
Correct the verb form. Error Correction

Il est possible que vous parlez français.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Il est possible que vous parliez français.
Translate into French. Translation

It is possible that they (m) go to Paris.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Il est possible qu'ils aillent à Paris.
Select the correct sentence for expressing possibility. Multiple Choice

Which one uses the subjunctive correctly?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Il est possible que je sois libre.
Put the words in the correct order. Sentence Reorder

possible / que / Il / est / pleuve / il

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Il est possible qu'il pleuve
Match the present form with its subjunctive counterpart. Match Pairs

Match the verbs:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: je viens : que je vienne
Fill in the blank with the subjunctive of 'savoir'. Fill in the Blank

Il est possible qu'elle ___ la réponse.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: sache
Expressing doubt about a friend's arrival. Multiple Choice

Pick the most natural sounding sentence:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Il est possible que Marc soit là.
Find the error in this 'nous' form. Error Correction

Il est possible que nous finissons tard.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Il est possible que nous finissions tard.
Translate into French. Translation

It is possible that you (informal) have the time.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Il est possible que tu aies le temps.

Score: /10

FAQ (8)

Because it expresses uncertainty. In French, uncertainty is the primary trigger for the subjunctive mood.

If you are sure, you shouldn't use 'Il est possible que'. Use 'Il est certain que' instead, which takes the indicative.

Yes, both affirmative and negative forms of 'possible' trigger the subjunctive.

This is a gray area. Traditionally it takes the indicative, but many native speakers use the subjunctive.

Je sois, tu sois, il soit, nous soyons, vous soyez, ils soient.

Yes, the subjunctive form changes based on the subject of the second clause.

Only if the subject is the same. 'Il est possible de venir' (It is possible to come).

Yes, it is very common in formal and academic writing to express cautious opinions.

Scaffolded Practice

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Mastery Progress

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In Other Languages

Spanish high

Es posible que + Subjunctive

Spanish has more tenses in the subjunctive.

German partial

Es ist möglich, dass + Konjunktiv I/II

German subjunctive is less common in everyday speech than French.

Japanese low

Kamoshirenai

Japanese does not conjugate the verb for mood in the same way.

Arabic high

Min al-mumkin an + Subjunctive

Arabic subjunctive is marked by a vowel change at the end of the verb.

Chinese low

Keneng + Verb

Chinese has no verb conjugation.

English low

It is possible that + Indicative/Modal

English lacks a distinct subjunctive mood for this structure.

Learning Path

Prerequisites

Next
Giving a Purpose: Using 'pour que' and 'afin que' with the Subjunctive

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