The lesson states that "if [action of the sans que clause] is over before the action of the main clause, you'll use Le Subjonctif Passé." So why does Tu as fait tout ça sans ________ au courant. need que Neve soit, which is in the Subjonctif Present, rather than que Neve l'ait été, which is in Subjonctif Passé?
I've never understood this. Thanks,
Rebecca
Bonjour Rebecca,
I agree that this can be a tricky topic to master.
It depends on whether an action is completed (punctual) or ongoing (a state) relative to the main verb. In this instance, the verbal expression from the subordinate clause (être au courant = to be aware) refers to a state and not an action. Therefore, Neve’s lack of awareness was a continuous state that existed at the same time you were doing "tout ça = all that". Even though the main verb is in Le Passé Composé (tu as fait), the lack of awareness was happening simultaneously with the main action. Using Le Subjonctif Passé would imply that Neve's state of being aware was over with before you even started doing anything.
I hope this is helpful.
Bonne journée !
Don't have an account yet? Join today
Test your French to the CEFR standard
Find your French level