Je trouve que Max a du talent.
Je trouve normal qu'il ait du succès.
Why is the subjonctif used in the second sentence?
Tell me more
×
French Language & Usage Stack Exchange is a question and answer site for
students, teachers, and linguists wanting to discuss the finer points of the French language. It's 100% free, no registration required.
|
|
||||
|
|
|
Je trouve que + indicatif. Je trouve __ (adj) que + subjonctif. (expression figée) |
|||
|
|
|||
This post does not cite any references or sources. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. |
|||
|
The important point here is that "trouve" in the second case is irrelevant. One could just as well say:
Or better yet:
It is the subjectiveness of the normalcy that triggers the subjunctive, not "trouver". |
|||
|
|
|
The parallel between the two sentences doesn't hold. In the first one, you give your opinion about Max's gift. If you remove "trouver" and you just state a fact, you'll say
In the second sentence, you give your opinion about the naturalness of Max success and not about the existence itself of the success. State a fact again, you'll say
But the use of the subjontif is quite complex and often a question of usage more than rational rules. See
|
|||
|
|
