allanb Posted November 28, 2006 Share Posted November 28, 2006 [quote user="Sfgraveston"]You need the subjunctive for the following (as very basic everyday examples)Je pense que nous allions à Paris la semaine prochaine.[/quote]Bad example. You wouldn't use the subjunctive in that one.One trick is to find ways of avoiding the subjunctive if you can. There are quite a few. For instance:Il faut que tu saches ...- could be replaced by:Il te faut savoir ...Another: Je ne crois pas qu'il soit capable ...- could be replaced by:Je crois qu'il n'est pas capable ...or: je crois qu'il est incapable ...One more:Avant que le train ne parte ...- could be replaced by:Avant le départ du train ...I think it's worth while to study this, as an alternative to learning a whole lot of subjunctive verb forms. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cassis Posted November 29, 2006 Share Posted November 29, 2006 Twice raised from the dead!But Allan makes a very good point. The suggested alternative phrasing is what I normally hear and try to follow in everyday language and always seems simpler, yet more elegant, than using the subjunctive (which I haven't consciously used since my schooldays, though I do still recognise it when other people use it). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark Posted November 29, 2006 Share Posted November 29, 2006 Oh gawd I'm still trying to get away with seeing how far a smile and a shrug will get me. Subhistoric smile and past conjunctive shrug, natch [:)] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
icmenuiserie Posted November 29, 2006 Share Posted November 29, 2006 I agree that the subjunctive isn't that bad..;for example try using 'il faut que j'aille (à la banque) (aller) i've got to go (to the bank). If you can work out how one verb changes into the subjunctive and then try using it, even if only in the 1st person, then you'll get more confident. I use it quite often, mostly aller, être, voir, prendre, venir...and for most of the others I tend to say the subjunctive like the present and hope for the best...most people understand what you mean and some may correct you. I had a look on the About site, and the section on avoiding the subjunctive was interesting, using d' infinitive...will have to try it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EuroStar Posted February 8, 2007 Author Share Posted February 8, 2007 Just had a thought. Are the present and perfect tenses used instead? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cassis Posted February 8, 2007 Share Posted February 8, 2007 That thought was a long time coming and even now it's not fully formed. [:D]Instead of what? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EuroStar Posted February 8, 2007 Author Share Posted February 8, 2007 Instead of the Future and Future Perfect forms. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cassis Posted February 8, 2007 Share Posted February 8, 2007 Mmmm. In what context? Can you give us an example? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AnOther Posted February 8, 2007 Share Posted February 8, 2007 Well thank you all very much, I now have a severe headache and need to lay down..............[blink] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
M Posted February 9, 2007 Share Posted February 9, 2007 penser que does not take the subjunctive in a positive sentence - why would it, as there is no hint of uncertainty? But it does take the subjunctive in intrrigative and negative sentences:-'Je pense qu'il est honnête'.'Pensez-vous qu'il soit honnête?''Je ne pense pas qu'il soit honnête'.M Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EuroStar Posted February 16, 2007 Author Share Posted February 16, 2007 Is the present subjunctive used to express a future idea? e.g. il est possible que j'aille a la France demain (present subjunctive but future idea). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Please sign in to comment
You will be able to leave a comment after signing in
Sign In Now