Past subjunctive

G B.C1Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor

Past subjunctive

Why is the past subjunctive called for here?:

Je me souviens de cet hiver-là comme l'un des plus rudes que j'aie vécus

Asked 2 years ago
Chris W.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor Correct answer

The subjunctive is called for because of the superlative l'un des plus rudes. In French, a statement in the superlative is often accompanied by the subjunctive because claiming that something is the highest, strongest, harshest, etc. is always to be taken with a bit of doubt. Only when one wants to express absolute certainty, the indicative is used.

https://www.lawlessfrench.com/grammar/superlative-subjunctive/

Jim J.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor

Hi G,

According to Laura Lawless's "subjunctivisor", se souvenir que does not take the subjunctive at all.

So perhaps there is an error that needs to be flagged up?

Jim

G B.C1Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor

That's one of the grammar rules I've never come across before. Makes perfect sense though.

Past subjunctive

Why is the past subjunctive called for here?:

Je me souviens de cet hiver-là comme l'un des plus rudes que j'aie vécus

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
Getting that for you now...