Hi,
In the last sentence we had to translate "I don't think there will be a problem".
I know that with "Je ne pense pas" we use subjonctif but since the sentence was in the future tense I translated it to "Je ne pense pas qu'il y aura de problème" but the correct answer was "Je ne pense pas qu'il y ait de problème". Doesn't this actually translate to "I don't think there is a problem" rather than "there will be a problem" ? How do we convey the future tense part of it?
Thanks and regards
Roopa
Bonjour Roopa,
Shobana's answer is correct in that the "present subjunctive is used" even for events set in the future.
For this particular sentence, the context will give you a clue if the action is set in the future or present time:
Context: a mechanic looking at your car and saying "Je ne pense pas qu'il y ait de problème avec votre voiture" -> I don't think there is a problem with your car (as I am looking at it) - Present
Context: Talking about an event you are preparing for and saying "Je ne pense pas qu'il y ait de problème pour demain" -> I dont't think there will be a problem for tomorrow - Future
I hope this is helpful.
Bonne journée !
Hi Roopa,
This is my understanding. Hope it helps.
https://www.lawlessfrench.com/grammar/subjunctive/
There is no future subjunctive in French. Even for subjective situations that are clearly set in the future, the present subjunctive is used.
Il faut que tu prennes le bus demain.You’ll have to take the bus tomorrow.
Can anybody else help.
Don't have an account yet? Join today
Test your French to the CEFR standard
Find your French level