Use of subjunctive

Lorna D.C1Kwiziq community member

Use of subjunctive

Why is so much of this in the subjunctive? I understand why 'il faut que' in the first sentence is followed by the subjunctive. But why is it used in the sentence starting 'nous recherchons'?

This question relates to:French dictation exercise "Hiring a new employee"

Dictation exercise B2

Asked 4 years ago
Like1Answer3
Share
CécileNative French expert teacher in KwiziqCorrect answer

Hi Lorna, 

Just to add to the excellent answers, the verb 'rechercher' ( to look for - to seek) actually creates a doubt, because you don't actually know if the person you're looking for,  exists until you have found him/her, which is the realm of the subjunctive...

Like24 years ago
Share
N. O.C1Kwiziq community member

Because they are 'necessities/desires' so to speak, which require subjunctive. 

Like34 years ago
Share
Mary Anne B.C1Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor

I am not an expert, I am a student who has run into similar things before.  "Nous recherchons" seems "sure enough" and could probably take indicative.  The use of subjunctive changes the meaning slightly.  To the French ear, the subjunctive adds doubt to his expected result; it make the sentence wishful.

Like24 years ago
Share
Lorna D. asked:View original

Use of subjunctive

Why is so much of this in the subjunctive? I understand why 'il faut que' in the first sentence is followed by the subjunctive. But why is it used in the sentence starting 'nous recherchons'?

Sign in to submit your answer

Don't have an account yet? Join today

« Pronunciation of "plus"I couldn't get accents on the letters even though I knew the letter needed it »
Ask a question

Find your French level for FREE

Test your French to the CEFR standard

Find your French level
Thinking...