Penser with negative triggers subj. mood?

Kevin C.C1Kwiziq community member

Penser with negative triggers subj. mood?

Je n'aurais pensé que l'aurais si facilement. Should je n'aurais pensé trigger the subjunctive?

Asked 3 years ago
CécileKwiziq team memberCorrect answer

Hi Kevin, 

Actually not in this case -

Je n'aurais jamais pensé que je l'aurais si facilement = I never thought I would get it/ pass so easily

Because the doubt is eliminated and the person passed her/ his driving test

Hope this helps!

Jim J.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor

HI Kevin,

The short answer is yes it should.  Why? Because doubt is being expressed when penser is used in a negative construction.

Incidentally  "je n'aurais pensé is missing "pas" or "jamais" after aurais.

Hope this helps.

Jim

Penser with negative triggers subj. mood?

Je n'aurais pensé que l'aurais si facilement. Should je n'aurais pensé trigger the subjunctive?

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
Let me take a look at that...