To highlight a specific quality in French, you can use a superlative structure, such as:
Learn how to use "the most/least that + [conjugated verb]" in French
When a verb follows a superlative construction, it is usually conjugated in Mode subjonctif, either Le Subjonctif Présent or Le Subjonctif Passé.
That's probably because we can never be 100% sure that something is "the most" or "the least", or will remain so "forever"!
That's probably because we can never be 100% sure that something is "the most" or "the least", or will remain so "forever"!
Because the superlative applies to the direct object of the verb that follow, in Le Subjonctif Passé, the past participle is required to agree with that object.
See Special cases when the past participle agrees (in number & gender) when used with 'avoir' in the compound past in French (Le Passé Composé)
See Special cases when the past participle agrees (in number & gender) when used with 'avoir' in the compound past in French (Le Passé Composé)
Note that to express “the best / the worst that + [conjugated verb]”, you will use:
le meilleur / la meilleure que + [conjugated verb] = the best that + [conjugated verb]
le/la pire que + [conjugated verb] = the worst that + [conjugated verb]
que j'aie jamais [fait] = that/whom I have ever [done]
Ce sont les pires chansons que nous ayons jamais entendues !These are the worst songs we've ever heard!
Note that when jamais is used in the sense of ever, it doesn't need ne.
Using Le Mode Indicatif or Le Mode Subjonctif
Note that you can use Le Mode indicatif or Le Mode subjonctif with the superlative structure. However, it is far more common to use Le Mode Subjonctif as you are expressing a personal opinion or judgment, i.e., not set in stone; there’s a level of uncertainty and subjectivity.
Therefore, Le Mode Indicatif can only be used in such cases where the sentence refers to established true facts or statements.
-> You are sure they know which artists you are talking about.
-> You are unsure if they know the artists you are talking about.
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Learn more about these related French grammar topics
Examples and resources
Quelle horreur ! Ces chanteurs sont les pires que j'aie écoutés !How awful! These are the worst singers I've listened to!
Je veux la plus belle robe qui soit disponible !I want the most beautiful dress [which is] available!
C'est la plus belle fille qu'il ait jamais rencontrée !She's the most beautiful girl he has ever met!
Ce sont les pires chansons que nous ayons jamais entendues !These are the worst songs we've ever heard!
C'est le roman le moins captivant que je connaisse !This is the least captivating novel that I know!
C'est l'émission la plus drôle que nous ayons jamais regardée !It's the funniest show we have ever watched!
