Bonjour - question on use of subjunctive for "sembler que"

Bill A.C1Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor

Bonjour - question on use of subjunctive for "sembler que"

I have read that if the subject of the secondary clause is the same, that one should not use the subjunctive, instead just use the infinitive.   But i have a sentence where i'm trying to figure out how to do that even though it feels like the subject has to be restated and would require conjugation.  I'm trying to say "Sometimes I feel like i don't know any french", and here's what i've come up with.  Would be great to get some guidance on this, perhaps there's a better way to construct the sentence.  Merci!

Parfois, je me semble que je ne sache aucun de francais.

Asked 6 years ago
CécileNative French expert teacher in KwiziqCorrect answer

Hi Bill,

You won't have the subjunctive after the affirmative sentence, Il me semble que ... but you will, if it is a negative or interogative sentence because a doubt is introduced:

Il me semble que ça va de soi = It seems to me that it goes without saying

Il ne me semble pas que ça soit possible = I don't think it's possible 

Vous semble-t-il qu'il soit déjà là? = Do you think he's already there?

Hope this helps!

Bill A.C1Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor

Actually i think it should be: "Il me semble parfois que je ne sache aucun de francais"

BUT.. i just read the following phrase in a book and i'm perplexed as to why the subjunctive is not used:

"Il me semble parfois que je sors d'un chauchemar et que je vais me retrouver dans mon lit."

Bill A.C1Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor

Merci beaucoup Cécile!

What's funny is I checked the subjunctivisor at the attached link and it indicates that "il semble" does require the subjunctive.  Is this a mistake, or am I misunderstanding?

https://www.lawlessfrench.com/subjunctivisor/il-semble/

Bill A.C1Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor

Oh, we are talking about "il me semble que" not "il semble que".
Is that the difference?  If so then i guess it depends on whether you are using the reflexive pronoun?  That definitely complicates things! :(

Merci!

Bill A.C1Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor

And I just found the correct link to "il me semble que" - no need to reply.  Curious why there's a difference but perhaps I can find that somewhere to.

Learning is so fun! :)

Merci

Bonjour - question on use of subjunctive for "sembler que"

I have read that if the subject of the secondary clause is the same, that one should not use the subjunctive, instead just use the infinitive.   But i have a sentence where i'm trying to figure out how to do that even though it feels like the subject has to be restated and would require conjugation.  I'm trying to say "Sometimes I feel like i don't know any french", and here's what i've come up with.  Would be great to get some guidance on this, perhaps there's a better way to construct the sentence.  Merci!

Parfois, je me semble que je ne sache aucun de francais.

Sign in to submit your answer

Don't have an account yet? Join today

Ask a question

Find your French level for FREE

Test your French to the CEFR standard

Find your French level
Thinking...