The gold standard in language courses
High quality, in-depth courses that work
One payment for 24/7 lifetime access
No risk 60-day money back guarantee
06
:
19
:
04
hrs hrs
mins mins
secs secs
Or until 1000 19 more courses sold.
Save 60% Now
Forum Rocket French French Grammar Lesson 22.8: Query on one case of subjunctive

Lesson 22.8: Query on one case of subjunctive

Peter--252

Peter--252

In 22.8, in the section Why is it in the Subjunctive? we are given two sentences (both correct):
(i) Je cherche une personne qui sait parler anglais.   
(ii) Je cherche une personne qui sache parler anglais.

Both mean "I seek a person who can speak English."  However there is a subtle difference.
The explanation given is:  "The difference between the sentence in the subjunctive and indicative is the fact you are not too sure whether such a person exists."
But it doesn't say which sentence this applies to!
I assume that the indicative is used when you know the person exists, and the subjunctive is used when there is doubt. Would that be correct? 

 
Liss-Rocket-Languages-Tutor

Liss-Rocket-Languages-Tutor

Salut Peter--252 !

Yes, you've got that right: the subjunctive is often used to reflect doubt, so the sentence in the subjunctive (Je cherche une personne qui sache parler anglais) would be the one where you are not sure whether such a person can be found. 

I'll pass a note on to the development team and see if they can make the wording more precise here.

Thank you for your feedback, and our apologies for the confusion!

À la prochaine,

Liss 

Ask a question or post a response

If you want to ask a question or post a response you need to be a member.

If you are already a member login here.
If you are not a member you can become one by taking the free Rocket French trial here.