Present subjunctive vs. past subjunctive

Helena F.B2Kwiziq community member

Present subjunctive vs. past subjunctive

Would the past subjunctive have been incorrect in the phrase "before Belinda suggested"?  I translated the phrase as "avant que Belinda n'ait suggéré".

Asked 3 years ago
CécileNative French expert teacher in KwiziqCorrect answer

Hi Helena, 

It is not incorrect but it depends on whether the actions are simultaneous or not in the sentence.

By using the past subjunctive you are putting more distance between the two actions in the clauses.

Hope this is helpful!

Present subjunctive vs. past subjunctive

Would the past subjunctive have been incorrect in the phrase "before Belinda suggested"?  I translated the phrase as "avant que Belinda n'ait suggéré".

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