Ch 32 · Lesson 11French · Chapter 32 · Lesson 11 · Grammar primer
Le seul train qui part à midi: when a fact keeps the indicative
A checkable fact keeps the indicative ( ), speech often drops the subjunctive, and an essay should not.
The short version
A checkable fact keeps the indicative
.
Why?Hide
The subjunctive after or a superlative marks a judgement. When the clause states something anyone could check, a timetable or a date in history, the indicative is the natural choice: . Ask whether evidence or only argument could prove you wrong.
When a fact brings the indicative back
The subjunctive is there because the claim is a judgement. When the clause states a checkable fact, that reason disappears and the indicative is normal:
- le seul train qui part à midia timetable: indicative
- la seule porte qui est ouvertego and try them: indicative
- la seule solution qui soit possibleyour assessment: subjunctive
- le meilleur film que j’aie jamais vutaste: subjunctive
| Kind of claim | Example | English |
|---|---|---|
| a timetable | | the only train that leaves at noon |
| try the doors | | the only door that is open |
| history | | the first man who walked on the Moon |
| your view | | the only possible solution |
The test: could someone prove you wrong with evidence, or only argue with you? Evidence points to the indicative; argument to the subjunctive. Formal writing sometimes keeps the subjunctive even with a fact, out of habit, so treat this as the natural choice rather than a hard rule.
Speech, writing and the exam
The subjunctive after a superlative is the written standard, not an iron law like . Spoken French drops it all the time:
- le meilleur film que j’ai jamais vueveryday speech
- le meilleur film que j’aie jamais vuwriting and exams
- le plus beau pays que j’eusse jamais vuliterary, after c’était
.- what you will hear at the cinema exit..- what you write in an essay.
In an essay the subjunctive is a cheap signal that you know the register, and its absence reads as a gap, not a choice. Use it unless the claim is plainly a checkable fact.
Mistakes English speakers make
| Wrong | Right | Why |
|---|---|---|
(essay) | | after a superlative, write |
| (ever) | turns ever into never |
| | agrees with |
... | | is : agree |
| | means when: indicative |
Going further: Superlatives: a judgement, not a fact and the rest of the guide, when you want them. This lesson does not need them.
Practice
Practise this lesson
9-question session
One question at a time, mixed across the exercises in this lesson. Miss one and it comes back round before the end.
French · Free printables
Worksheets for this lesson
Worksheets with answer keys built in. Open any one to view, print or save.
Free for members
The printable worksheets, infographics and PDFs are free with an account. Start a free week and download as many as you like.
Start your free weekLesson 11 of 29 in this chapter