Grammar Queries (based on concepts)

Shrey R.A1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor

Grammar Queries (based on concepts)

Bonjour Madame Cécile !

I am facing a few problems and am unable to understand the reasons behind them.

1. "He realizes you're cheating." -> Il réalise que vous êtes en train de tricher. 

In this sentence, why one doesn’t use Le Subjonctif as the expression is followed by “que”?

2. I knocked at the door, but you were sleeping." 

The correct answer was-> J'ai frappé à la porte, mais tu étais en train de dormir.

Though, I mentioned “ J'ai frappé à la porte, mais tu dormais. (L’Imparfait) 

As I was sleeping in progression when someone knocked.

3. Ils ________ écouter.(They should listen.)

Why the accurate answer is -> devraient (Le Conditionnel Présent) and not ‘doivent’ ?

Merci Madame de m’aider encore. 

Je vous souhaite une bonne journée !


Asked 4 years ago
Chris W.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor Correct answer

Taking your questions in turn:

1) que does not automatically require the subjunctive. Whether or not it is followed by the subjunctive is determined by other things (like uncertainty of the speaker, a wish or even certain constructions, whether a thought is expressed in a negative or positive way, etc.).

2) If I remember correctly (and I might be wrong), isn't the sentence taken from a lesson aiming to practice the use of "être en train de" ? Using this construction you emphasize that the other person was really sleeping at the very time someone knocked on the door.

3) Ils doivent écouter. -- They must listen.
Ils devraient écouter. -- The should listen.

Shrey R.A1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor

Merci beaucoup Monsieur Chris

Grammar Queries (based on concepts)

Bonjour Madame Cécile !

I am facing a few problems and am unable to understand the reasons behind them.

1. "He realizes you're cheating." -> Il réalise que vous êtes en train de tricher. 

In this sentence, why one doesn’t use Le Subjonctif as the expression is followed by “que”?

2. I knocked at the door, but you were sleeping." 

The correct answer was-> J'ai frappé à la porte, mais tu étais en train de dormir.

Though, I mentioned “ J'ai frappé à la porte, mais tu dormais. (L’Imparfait) 

As I was sleeping in progression when someone knocked.

3. Ils ________ écouter.(They should listen.)

Why the accurate answer is -> devraient (Le Conditionnel Présent) and not ‘doivent’ ?

Merci Madame de m’aider encore. 

Je vous souhaite une bonne journée !


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