B2 Subjunctive 13 min read Medium

French Opinions: Subjunctive vs. Indicative (Penser, Croire)

Affirmative opinions use the indicative; negative or inverted questions switch to the subjunctive to signal doubt.
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Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds

Use the indicative for facts you believe, but switch to the subjunctive for doubts or questions about those beliefs.

  • Affirmative opinion (Je pense que...) + Indicative: Je pense qu'il est gentil.
  • Negative opinion (Je ne pense pas que...) + Subjunctive: Je ne pense pas qu'il soit gentil.
  • Interrogative opinion (Penses-tu que...?) + Subjunctive: Penses-tu qu'il soit gentil?
Subject + Verb (Opinion) + que + Subject + Verb (Subjunctive/Indicative)

Overview

In French, the choice between the indicative and subjunctive moods after verbs of opinion isn't arbitrary; it's a sophisticated linguistic tool that signals your epistemic stance—that is, how certain you are about the information you're presenting. This rule primarily concerns verbs like penser (to think), croire (to believe), trouver (to find/think), and être sûr(e) (to be sure). At the B2 level, mastering this distinction is crucial for moving beyond simply stating ideas to expressing nuanced perspectives, doubts, and inquiries.

The fundamental principle is this: affirmative statements of opinion are treated as subjective realities, thus taking the indicative mood. Negative and interrogative forms, however, introduce doubt or challenge a proposition's reality, requiring the subjunctive mood.

Think of it as a declaration versus a debate. When you say Je pense que..., you declare a belief you hold to be true in your own mind. The indicative mood reflects this personal certainty.

When you say Je ne pense pas que... or ask Penses-tu que...?, you are no longer making a simple declaration. You are either denying a reality or questioning its existence, pushing the subordinate clause into the realm of the hypothetical, the uncertain, and the subjective. This is the precise territory of the subjunctive.

How This Grammar Works

To understand the mechanics, consider the main clause (Je pense que...) as a filter that determines the 'reality status' of the clause that follows. The mood of the second verb reveals the speaker's assessment of the proposition's truthfulness.
1. The Affirmative Case: Subjective Certainty (Indicative)
When you state Je pense qu'il a raison (I think he is right), you are presenting his 'rightness' as a fact within your own cognitive framework. For you, in this moment, it is a reality. The French language honors this by using the mood of reality and factuality: the indicative.
The statement is not about objective, universal truth, but about the speaker's personal conviction, which is asserted forcefully.
2. The Negative Case: Casting Doubt (Subjunctive)
When you negate the opinion with Je ne pense pas qu'il ait raison (I don't think he is right), you are doing more than just stating an opposite opinion. You are actively withholding your belief. You are signaling that, from your perspective, the proposition 'he is right' does not belong in the world of reality.
By negating penser, you frame the subordinate clause as dubious or contrary to fact. This shift into non-reality or subjectivity is what triggers the subjunctive.
3. The Interrogative Case: Questioning Reality (Subjunctive)
When you form a question using inversion, such as Penses-tu qu'il ait raison? (Do you think he is right?), you are explicitly calling the proposition into question. The very act of asking in this formal structure implies a degree of skepticism or at least a suspension of judgment. You are not asking what the person thinks, but rather inviting them to validate or reject a contested idea.
This inherent uncertainty demands the subjunctive. It’s the grammatical equivalent of raising an eyebrow.
It is important to contrast this with less formal question structures. A simple question with rising intonation, Tu penses qu'il a raison ?, or one using est-ce que, Est-ce que tu penses qu'il a raison ?, is often treated differently in conversation. These forms can be perceived as softer inquiries into someone's opinion rather than a direct challenge to the proposition's validity.
Consequently, you will frequently hear the indicative used in these cases in everyday speech, even if formal grammar might prefer the subjunctive.

Formation Pattern

1
The core structure depends on the polarity (affirmative or negative) and form (declarative or interrogative) of the main clause. The verb in the subordinate clause (que...) must adapt accordingly.
2
The Basic Formula:
3
Subject 1 + [Opinion Verb in the affirmative/negative/interrogative] + que + Subject 2 + Verb 2 (in Indicative or Subjunctive)
4
Below is a detailed breakdown of the pattern with examples. Note the change in the second verb's mood.
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| Form | Speaker's Stance | Mood in que Clause | Example Sentence | Translation |
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|---|---|---|---|---|
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| Affirmative | Certainty / Belief | Indicative | Je pense que le film est long. | I think the movie is long. |
8
| | | Indicative | Elle croit que nous avons une chance. | She believes we have a chance. |
9
| Negative | Doubt / Disbelief | Subjunctive | Je ne pense pas que le film soit long. | I don't think the movie is long. |
10
| | | Subjunctive | Elle ne croit pas que nous ayons une chance. | She doesn't believe we have a chance. |
11
| Interrogative (Inversion) | Questioning / Skepticism | Subjunctive | Penses-tu que le film soit long ? | Do you think the movie is long? |
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| | | Subjunctive | Croit-elle que nous ayons une chance ? | Does she believe we have a chance? |
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Tense Concordance (Concordance des Temps)
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This rule also applies across different tenses. When the main verb is in the past, the choice of subjunctive tense in the subordinate clause follows specific rules. In modern French, the imperfect subjunctive is almost exclusively literary.
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To express an action simultaneous or future relative to the past main clause, use the present subjunctive.
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Je ne pensais pas qu'il vienne. (I didn't think he was coming / would come.)
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To express an action anterior (prior) to the past main clause, use the past subjunctive (subjonctif passé).
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Je ne pensais pas qu'il soit venu. (I didn't think he had come.)
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| Main Clause Tense | Subordinate Action | Mood/Tense in que Clause | Example |
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|---|---|---|---|
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| Présent | Anterior | Passé Composé (Indicative) | Je pense qu'il a menti. |
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| Présent (Negative) | Anterior | Subjonctif Passé | Je ne pense pas qu'il ait menti. |
23
| Imparfait (Negative) | Simultaneous / Future | Subjonctif Présent | Je ne pensais pas que tu saches la réponse. |
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| Imparfait (Negative) | Anterior | Subjonctif Passé | Je ne pensais pas que tu aies su la réponse. |

When To Use It

This indicative/subjunctive alternation is not limited to penser and croire. It applies to a family of verbs and expressions related to opinion, judgment, and perception.
Verbs and Expressions Following This Pattern:
  • trouver que - to find (that)
  • imaginer que - to imagine (that)
  • supposer que - to suppose (that)
  • se douter que - to suspect (that) (Note: se douter que + indicative, but douter que + subjunctive!)
  • être d'avis que - to be of the opinion that
  • être sûr(e)/certain(e) que - to be sure/certain that
Example: Je ne suis pas certain qu'il fasse le bon choix. (I am not certain he is making the right choice.) versus Je suis certain qu'il fait le bon choix.
Key Distinction: il semble que vs. il me semble que
This is a classic B2-level nuance. The presence of the indirect object pronoun (me, te, lui, etc.) is critical.
  • Il me semble que... (+ Indicative): This means "It seems to me that..." It expresses a personal impression, functioning like je pense que. As it states a subjective certainty, it takes the indicative.
  • Il me semble que le train est en retard. (It seems to me that the train is late.)
  • Il semble que... (+ Subjunctive): This is an impersonal construction meaning "It seems that..." It conveys general doubt or a lack of concrete evidence. Its impersonal nature makes it less of a personal assertion and more of a detached, uncertain observation, thus requiring the subjunctive.
  • Il semble que le train soit en retard. (It seems that the train is late.)
The Major Exception: espérer que
The verb espérer (to hope) is a notorious exception. Although hope is an emotion and implies uncertainty about the future, espérer que is followed by the indicative (usually the futur simple), not the subjunctive.
  • J'espère que tu viendras à la fête. (I hope you will come to the party.)
  • INCORRECT: J'espère que tu viennes...
The linguistic reasoning is that espérer projects a desired outcome into the future with such conviction that it is framed as a planned event, a 'reality-to-be'. However, when negated, Je n'espère pas que... can sometimes be found with the subjunctive, though it is less common and often rephrased.

Common Mistakes

Learners frequently stumble over this rule by either over-applying or under-applying the subjunctive. Here are the most common errors and how to avoid them.
  1. 1The Hypercorrection: Subjunctive After Affirmative penser que
A frequent mistake is using the subjunctive after an affirmative Je pense que or Je crois que. This is often done because the subjunctive feels more 'advanced' or 'formal'. However, it is grammatically incorrect because it creates a logical contradiction, signaling doubt while the verb expresses belief.
  • Error: Je pense que ce soit une bonne idée.
  • Correction: Je pense que c'est une bonne idée.
  1. 1Forgetting the Switch: Indicative After Negation
The opposite error is just as common: failing to switch to the subjunctive in a negative sentence. This is one of the most jarring errors for a native speaker, akin to a subject-verb agreement mistake in English.
  • Error: Je ne crois pas qu'il est prêt.
  • Correction: Je ne crois pas qu'il soit prêt.
  1. 1Confusing douter que and se douter que
These two look similar but have opposite effects on the following verb.
  • douter que means "to doubt that" and expresses strong uncertainty. It always takes the subjunctive. (Je doute qu'il vienne.)
  • se douter que means "to suspect that" and implies a strong inkling or suspicion. It functions like penser que and takes the indicative. (Je me doute bien qu'il viendra.)
  1. 1Mismanaging Question Forms
As mentioned, the subjunctive is required with inversion but not strictly enforced with est-ce que or intonation in casual speech. Using the subjunctive with est-ce que is never wrong, but using the indicative with inversion is.
  • Error: Penses-tu qu'il a le temps ?
  • Correction: Penses-tu qu'il ait le temps ?
  • Acceptable (Casual): Est-ce que tu penses qu'il a le temps ?
  1. 1The après que Trap
Learners often incorrectly lump après que (after) with avant que (before). Avant que always takes the subjunctive because the action has not yet happened. However, après que introduces an action that has already occurred and is therefore a fact. It requires the indicative.
  • Error: Je partirai après que tu sois arrivé.
  • Correction: Je partirai après que tu seras arrivé. (or es arrivé)
This hypercorrection is so common that you may hear native speakers make this mistake, but it remains proscribed in formal French.

Real Conversations

Seeing the rule in context reveals its natural rhythm. Textbook examples are clean, but real-world usage shows the subtle shifts in tone.

S

Scenario 1

Texting between friends

- Alex: Salut ! On va au ciné ce soir ? Je pense que le nouveau Marvel est sorti.

(Here, Je pense que + indicative states a belief Alex holds as fact.)*

- Ben: Ah, je ne crois pas qu'il soit déjà en salle. J'ai vérifié hier. Mais penses-tu qu'on puisse trouver des places pour "Dune" ?

(Ben uses je ne crois pas que + subjunctive to express his doubt. He then uses inversion penses-tu que + subjunctive to ask about the possibility, signaling uncertainty.)*

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Scenario 2

Professional Email
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Subject

Re: Proposition marketing Q3

Bonjour Claire,

Merci pour le document. La stratégie proposée est très audacieuse. Cependant, je ne suis pas sûr que nous ayons les ressources humaines pour la déployer efficacement avant septembre. Il me semble que le calendrier est un peu trop serré.

Bien à toi,

Marc

(Marc uses je ne suis pas sûr que + subjunctive (ayons) to politely express strong doubt. He then softens his feedback with il me semble que + indicative (est) to frame his opinion on the timeline as a personal impression.)*

S

Scenario 3

Comment on a news article online
A

Article Title

Le tout-électrique en 2035, un pari intenable ?

User_75: Je vois pas le problème. Je pense que c'est tout à fait réalisable.

(States a firm opinion with indicative.)*

A

AnotherUser Replies

@User_75 Vraiment ? Croyez-vous sincèrement que l'infrastructure puisse suivre ? Et je ne parle même pas du coût pour le consommateur moyen. Je ne pense pas que la majorité des gens soient prêts à faire ce sacrifice financier.

(The reply challenges the original comment using Croyez-vous que + subjunctive (puisse) and follows with a negative opinion Je ne pense pas que + subjunctive (soient). This creates a formal, argumentative tone.)*

Quick FAQ

Q: Does trouver que work exactly the same as penser que?

Yes, precisely. trouver que is used to express a personal judgment or finding. Je trouve que ce vin est excellent (Indicative). When negated or questioned via inversion, it follows the same pattern: Je ne trouve pas que ce vin soit excellent and Trouvez-vous que ce vin soit excellent ? (Subjunctive).

Q: You mentioned il semble que vs. il me semble que. Is it a strict rule?

In formal and written French, it is quite strict. Il me semble que takes the indicative; il semble que takes the subjunctive. In casual conversation, you might hear the indicative after il semble que, but using the subjunctive is always the correct and safer choice, especially in a B2 context.

Q: Is the subjunctive really still used, or is it dying out?

This is a common myth. While the Imperfect and Pluperfect Subjunctive forms are now confined to high literature, the Present and Past Subjunctive are absolutely essential and used constantly in modern French by all speakers. The context of this rule—expressing doubt with penser/croire—is one of its most frequent and unavoidable uses in daily life.

Q: Can I just always use the indicative in questions to be safe?

No. This only works for informal questions using est-ce que or rising intonation. For formal questions with subject-verb inversion (Pensez-vous que...?, Crois-tu que...?), the subjunctive is mandatory. Using the indicative in this structure (Penses-tu que c'est...) is a clear grammatical error.

Q: How does this apply if the opinion itself is about a doubt, like Je pense qu'il doute...?

The rule applies only to the main verb of opinion. The verb in the subordinate clause is irrelevant to the mood choice. Je pense que... is affirmative, so it takes the indicative, regardless of what follows. Example: Je pense qu'il doute de notre capacité. (Here, doute is in the present indicative because the main clause is Je pense que). If you negated it, you'd get: Je ne pense pas qu'il doute de notre capacité. (Here, doute is in the present subjunctive).

Q: What if I want to strongly assert an opinion in the negative?

If you want to state your certainty that something is not true, you use verbs of certainty like être sûr/certain or savoir. For example: Je sais qu'il ne viendra pas or Je suis sûr qu'il ne dit pas la vérité. In these cases, your certainty (even about a negative) commands the indicative. Compare Je ne pense pas qu'il vienne (I doubt he'll come) with Je suis sûr qu'il ne viendra pas (I am sure he won't come).

Subjunctive Endings

Subject Ending
Je
-e
Tu
-es
Il/Elle
-e
Nous
-ions
Vous
-iez
Ils/Elles
-ent

Meanings

This rule dictates the mood of the verb following opinion verbs like 'penser' (to think) and 'croire' (to believe). It hinges on the speaker's level of certainty.

1

Affirmative Certainty

Expressing a belief as a fact.

“Je crois qu'il a raison.”

“Je pense que tu es prêt.”

2

Doubt/Negation

Expressing that you do not believe something is true.

“Je ne pense pas qu'il soit là.”

“Je ne crois pas qu'elle ait fini.”

3

Interrogative

Asking for someone's opinion, which implies uncertainty.

“Penses-tu qu'il soit prêt ?”

“Crois-tu qu'elle puisse venir ?”

Reference Table

Reference table for French Opinions: Subjunctive vs. Indicative (Penser, Croire)
Form Structure Example
Affirmative
Penser que + Indicative
Je pense qu'il vient.
Negative
Ne pas penser que + Subjunctive
Je ne pense pas qu'il vienne.
Question
Penser que + Subjunctive
Penses-tu qu'il vienne ?
Past (Neg)
Ne pas penser que + Subjunctive Passé
Je ne pense pas qu'il soit venu.
Certainty
Croire que + Indicative
Je crois qu'il est là.
Doubt
Ne pas croire que + Subjunctive
Je ne crois pas qu'il soit là.

Formality Spectrum

Formal
Je ne pense pas qu'il soit prêt.

Je ne pense pas qu'il soit prêt. (General conversation)

Neutral
Je ne pense pas qu'il soit prêt.

Je ne pense pas qu'il soit prêt. (General conversation)

Informal
Je pense pas qu'il est prêt.

Je pense pas qu'il est prêt. (General conversation)

Slang
Je pense pas qu'il est prêt.

Je pense pas qu'il est prêt. (General conversation)

Certainty vs Doubt

Opinion Verbs

Certainty (Indicative)

  • Je pense que I think that
  • Je crois que I believe that

Doubt (Subjunctive)

  • Je ne pense pas que I don't think that
  • Penses-tu que Do you think that
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Examples by Level

1

Je pense qu'il est gentil.

I think he is nice.

2

Je crois qu'il a faim.

I think he is hungry.

3

Je pense que c'est bon.

I think it's good.

4

Je crois que tu as raison.

I think you are right.

1

Je ne pense pas qu'il vienne.

I don't think he is coming.

2

Je ne crois pas qu'il soit là.

I don't think he is there.

3

Penses-tu qu'il soit prêt ?

Do you think he is ready?

4

Crois-tu qu'elle puisse venir ?

Do you think she can come?

1

Je ne pense pas qu'il ait fini son travail.

I don't think he has finished his work.

2

Pensez-vous qu'il soit nécessaire de partir ?

Do you think it is necessary to leave?

3

Je ne crois pas qu'ils sachent la vérité.

I don't think they know the truth.

4

Penses-tu qu'il faille attendre ?

Do you think it is necessary to wait?

1

Je ne pense pas qu'il soit judicieux de prendre cette décision.

I don't think it is wise to make this decision.

2

Croyez-vous qu'il soit possible de résoudre ce problème ?

Do you believe it is possible to solve this problem?

3

Je ne crois pas qu'elle ait pu comprendre la situation.

I don't think she could have understood the situation.

4

Pensez-vous qu'il soit préférable d'attendre ?

Do you think it is better to wait?

1

Je ne pense nullement qu'il soit en mesure de réussir.

I do not think at all that he is able to succeed.

2

Croyez-vous vraiment qu'il soit opportun d'agir ainsi ?

Do you really believe it is appropriate to act this way?

3

Je ne pense pas qu'il soit souhaitable que nous intervenions.

I don't think it is desirable that we intervene.

4

Pensez-vous qu'il soit concevable de modifier le contrat ?

Do you think it is conceivable to modify the contract?

1

Il ne me semble pas qu'il soit pertinent de poursuivre cette voie.

It does not seem to me that it is relevant to pursue this path.

2

Je ne saurais croire qu'il soit coupable de tels actes.

I cannot believe that he is guilty of such acts.

3

Pensez-vous qu'il soit envisageable que la situation évolue ?

Do you think it is foreseeable that the situation will evolve?

4

Je ne pense pas qu'il soit de bon ton de s'exprimer ainsi.

I don't think it is proper to speak this way.

Easily Confused

French Opinions: Subjunctive vs. Indicative (Penser, Croire) vs Emotion verbs

Learners think all 'que' clauses take the subjunctive.

French Opinions: Subjunctive vs. Indicative (Penser, Croire) vs Espérer (to hope)

Learners think 'espérer' is an opinion verb.

French Opinions: Subjunctive vs. Indicative (Penser, Croire) vs Subjunctive vs Indicative

Learners confuse the two moods.

Common Mistakes

✗

Je ne pense pas qu'il est là.

✓

Je ne pense pas qu'il soit là.

Negation requires subjunctive.
✗

Penses-tu qu'il vient ?

✓

Penses-tu qu'il vienne ?

Questions imply doubt, requiring subjunctive.
✗

Je pense qu'il vienne.

✓

Je pense qu'il vient.

Affirmative opinion takes indicative.
✗

Je ne pense pas qu'il a pu venir.

✓

Je ne pense pas qu'il ait pu venir.

Negation requires subjunctive past.

Sentence Patterns

Je pense que ___ (indicative).

Je ne pense pas que ___ (subjunctive).

Penses-tu que ___ (subjunctive)?

Je ne crois pas que ___ (subjunctive).

Real World Usage

Job Interview common

Je ne pense pas que ce soit la meilleure approche.

Texting occasional

Tu crois qu'il vienne ?

Social Media common

Je ne pense pas que ce soit vrai.

Travel occasional

Pensez-vous qu'il soit possible de réserver ?

Food Delivery App rare

Je ne pense pas que ce soit le bon plat.

Academic Writing constant

Il ne semble pas qu'il soit pertinent de conclure ainsi.

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💡

The Certainty Test

Ask yourself: 'Am I stating a fact?' If yes, use indicative. If you are doubting, use subjunctive.
⚠️

Don't forget the 'que'

The subjunctive is triggered by the 'que' clause. Make sure the subject changes!
🎯

Focus on the main verb

Look at the main verb first. Is it negated? Is it a question? That's your clue.
💬

Spoken vs Written

Native speakers often use the indicative in speech, but use the subjunctive in writing to sound educated.

Smart Tips

Immediately switch to the subjunctive.

Je ne pense pas qu'il vient. → Je ne pense pas qu'il vienne.

Use the subjunctive.

Penses-tu qu'il est prêt ? → Penses-tu qu'il soit prêt ?

Stick to the indicative.

Je pense qu'il vienne. → Je pense qu'il vient.

Ask: 'Is this a fact or a doubt?'

Je ne pense pas qu'il a fini. → Je ne pense pas qu'il ait fini.

Pronunciation

vienne (vi-enn)

Subjunctive endings

The '-ent' ending in the subjunctive is silent, just like in the indicative.

Question intonation

Penses-tu qu'il vienne ↑ ?

Rising pitch at the end signals a question.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of the Indicative as a solid wall (certainty) and the Subjunctive as a question mark (doubt).

Visual Association

Imagine a person standing on a solid rock (Indicative) when they are sure, but floating on a cloud (Subjunctive) when they are unsure or asking a question.

Rhyme

Affirmative is sure and true, but doubt brings the subjunctive view.

Story

Marc is sure his friend is coming ('Je pense qu'il vient'). But then he gets a text saying the train is delayed. Now he is not sure. He says 'Je ne pense pas qu'il vienne' (subjunctive).

Word Web

PenserCroireDouterQueSubjonctifIndicatifCertitude

Challenge

Write 3 sentences: one affirmative, one negative, and one question using 'croire'.

Cultural Notes

In casual French, the subjunctive is often dropped after 'penser' in questions, but it is still considered 'correct' in writing.

Similar to France, but even more casual in spoken language.

Standard French rules apply in formal education and media.

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

Conversation Starters

“

Penses-tu qu'il soit important d'apprendre le français ?

“

Crois-tu qu'il soit possible de voyager demain ?

“

Penses-tu que le climat va changer ?

“

Crois-tu qu'il soit facile de trouver un travail ici ?

Journal Prompts

Write about your plans for the weekend. Use 'Je pense que' and 'Je ne pense pas que'.
Do you think technology is good for society? Use 'Penses-tu que' and 'Je crois que'.
Write a short dialogue where one person is sure and the other is doubtful.
Reflect on a recent decision. Use 'Je ne crois pas que'.

Common Mistakes

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

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Test Yourself

Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'venir'.

Je pense qu'il ___ (venir).

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: vient
Affirmative opinion takes indicative.
Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'être'.

Je ne pense pas qu'il ___ (être) là.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: soit
Negation takes subjunctive.
Choose the correct sentence. Multiple Choice

Which sentence is correct?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Penses-tu qu'il vienne ?
Questions take subjunctive.
Correct the error in the sentence. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

Je ne crois pas qu'il a raison.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Je ne crois pas qu'il ait raison.
Negation takes subjunctive.
Transform into a negative sentence. Sentence Transformation

Je pense qu'il est prêt.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Je ne pense pas qu'il soit prêt.
Negation requires subjunctive.
Is this rule true? True False Rule

Affirmative opinion verbs take the subjunctive.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: False
They take the indicative.
Complete the dialogue. Dialogue Completion

A: Penses-tu qu'il ___ ? B: Non, je ne pense pas.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: vienne
Questions take subjunctive.
Sort by mood. Grammar Sorting

Sort: 'Je pense qu'il vient' and 'Je ne pense pas qu'il vienne'.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Indicative, Subjunctive
Affirmative vs Negative.

Score: /8

Practice Exercises

8 exercises
Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'venir'.

Je pense qu'il ___ (venir).

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: vient
Affirmative opinion takes indicative.
Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'être'.

Je ne pense pas qu'il ___ (être) là.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: soit
Negation takes subjunctive.
Choose the correct sentence. Multiple Choice

Which sentence is correct?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Penses-tu qu'il vienne ?
Questions take subjunctive.
Correct the error in the sentence. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

Je ne crois pas qu'il a raison.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Je ne crois pas qu'il ait raison.
Negation takes subjunctive.
Transform into a negative sentence. Sentence Transformation

Je pense qu'il est prêt.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Je ne pense pas qu'il soit prêt.
Negation requires subjunctive.
Is this rule true? True False Rule

Affirmative opinion verbs take the subjunctive.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: False
They take the indicative.
Complete the dialogue. Dialogue Completion

A: Penses-tu qu'il ___ ? B: Non, je ne pense pas.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: vienne
Questions take subjunctive.
Sort by mood. Grammar Sorting

Sort: 'Je pense qu'il vient' and 'Je ne pense pas qu'il vienne'.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Indicative, Subjunctive
Affirmative vs Negative.

Score: /8

Practice Bank

8 exercises
Complete the sentence with 'faire'. Fill in the Blank

Je ne crois pas qu'il ___ ses devoirs ce soir.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: fasse
Identify the error: 'Je ne trouve pas que cette robe est belle.' Error Correction

Je ne trouve pas que cette robe est belle.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Je ne trouve pas que cette robe soit belle.
Reorder the words to form a correct negative opinion. Sentence Reorder

pas / vienne / pense / je / qu'il / ne

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Je ne pense pas qu'il vienne
Translate to French: 'I think he is arriving.' Translation

I think he is arriving.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Je pense qu'il arrive.
Which one uses the subjunctive correctly? Multiple Choice

Pick the correct formal question:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Crois-tu qu'il ait faim ?
Match the beginning with the correct ending. Match Pairs

Match the mood triggers:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Je pense que... | ...il est là.
Use the correct form of 'avoir'. Fill in the Blank

Je ne crois pas qu'ils ___ (avoir) le temps.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: aient
Select the most natural casual question. Multiple Choice

How would you ask a friend on WhatsApp?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Tu penses qu'il vient ?

Score: /8

FAQ (8)

It depends on the speaker's certainty. Affirmative = certainty (indicative). Negative/Question = doubt (subjunctive).

No, that is a common mistake. Use the indicative.

It follows the same rules as 'penser'.

Yes, because questions imply you are seeking information, which implies you don't know the answer (doubt).

If it expresses a belief or thought, it's an opinion verb.

In speech, they often use the indicative, but in writing, the subjunctive is expected.

Use the 'ils' form of the present indicative, remove '-ent', and add -e, -es, -e, -ions, -iez, -ent.

They are very similar, but 'croire' can imply a stronger belief.

Scaffolded Practice

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In Other Languages

Spanish high

Subjuntivo

The conjugation forms are different, but the logic is identical.

German partial

Konjunktiv I/II

German relies more on modal particles and Konjunktiv I for indirect speech.

Japanese low

Desu/Masu vs Plain form

Japanese does not have a subjunctive mood.

Arabic partial

Mansoub

Arabic mood is triggered by particles, not by the speaker's certainty.

Chinese none

None

Chinese uses adverbs to express doubt.

English low

None

English uses modal verbs like 'might' or 'could' to express doubt.

Learning Path

Prerequisites

Previous
French Subjunctive: Present vs. Past (Concordance des Temps)
Next
Formal Alternatives: Whether... or... (Soit que... soit que...)

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