Croire et savoir

Question

I noticed that for the two verbs that have to do with thoughts croire and savoir, the example phrases are negated. Are you able to use these verbs in positive sentences with passé composé or is it more appropriate to use the imparfait since it’s hard to know how long and how many times something was thought or believed?

Accepted Answer

Hi Danielle,
It is my understanding that verbs expressing thoughts are normally in the imparfait but I hesitate to be firm about this point.
Regarding negation  --  to negate croire will require the subjuctive mood because "doubt" is being expressed however with savoir the situation is not so firm.
Suggest you have a look here    https://www.lawlessfrench.com/subjunctivisor/
enter both verbs in turn and I think you will find the results interesting.
Hope this helps.
Jim

Answer

Jim's right, "croire" and "savoir" are predominantly, but by no means exclusively, found in the imperfect.
Je croyais qu'ail allait venir. -- I believed that he was going to come.
Note that in the negative sense and when used in a question, these verbs  require the subjunctive.