j'ai cru que je n'y arriverais jamais

Megan H.C1Kwiziq community member

j'ai cru que je n'y arriverais jamais

Hi

Regarding the phrase 'j'ai cru que je n'y arriverais jamais', I was thinking that 'j'ai cru' might need to be followed by the subjunctive, as the part after j'ai cru is negative.  Does the subjunctive rule only apply if it is je n'ai pas cru perhaps?

Thanks

Megan

This question relates to:French writing exercise "Family Zoom Call"

Freeform Writing Exercise C1

Asked 3 years ago
Like0Answer2
Share
Maarten K.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor Correct answer

You are correct. The French have no ‘doubt’ about what they think/know/believe/find/claim (they are not unique in this) - the subjunctive is not used in the affirmative statements with penser/crier/trouver/savoir/prétendre.

On the other hand they do have ‘doubt’ about what they don’t think etc ... so the subjunctive is used with these verbs in the negative

"Penser/trouver/savoir/croire/prétendre que" are followed with the indicative mood (L'Indicatif) in affirmative sentences BUT with the subjunctive mood (Le Subjonctif) in negative ones

Like13 years ago
Share
CélineKwiziq team member

Bonjour Megan,

As mentioned in the lesson link in Maarten's answer  : 

penser que + Indicatif  (to think that) /  ne pas penser que + Subjonctif  

I hope this is helpful.

Bonne journée !

Like03 years ago
Share
Megan H. asked:View original

j'ai cru que je n'y arriverais jamais

Hi

Regarding the phrase 'j'ai cru que je n'y arriverais jamais', I was thinking that 'j'ai cru' might need to be followed by the subjunctive, as the part after j'ai cru is negative.  Does the subjunctive rule only apply if it is je n'ai pas cru perhaps?

Thanks

Megan

Sign in to submit your answer

Don't have an account yet? Join today

« futur proche tense , Your answer is confusing ! »
Ask a question

Find your French level for FREE

Test your French to the CEFR standard

Find your French level
Let me take a look at that...