subjonctif or not

Ozan D.A2Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor

subjonctif or not

I have read that  the relative clause after coming the "ne...pas" required the subjonctive.But I have a question.İf I am sure about the matter do ı have to use subjunctive?
for example
Je n'ai pas d'amis qui peuvent m'aider( can ı use indicative if ı am sure that I really know that I don't have any friend who can help me)

Asked 4 years ago
CécileNative French expert teacher in KwiziqCorrect answer

Hi Ozan, 

You could use the indicative  -

Je n'ai pas d'amis qui peuvent m'aider 

meaning, that you are just stating a fact, that no one can help you at the moment 

If you said -

Je n'ai pas d'amis qui puissent m'aider 

by using the subjunctive, it indicates a doubt, maybe you have not checked or you are still hoping to find someone to help you.

 

Chris W.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor

That's something Cecile would need to comment on.

From my perspective, I would agree with you.
I have no friend that can (could) help me. -- Je n'ai pas d'ami qui puisse m'aider. (Some doubt present.)
I have no friend that can help me. -- Je n'ai pas d'ammi qui peut m'aider.
I have a friend that can help me. -- J'ai un ami qui peut m'aider.

subjonctif or not

I have read that  the relative clause after coming the "ne...pas" required the subjonctive.But I have a question.İf I am sure about the matter do ı have to use subjunctive?
for example
Je n'ai pas d'amis qui peuvent m'aider( can ı use indicative if ı am sure that I really know that I don't have any friend who can help me)

Sign in to submit your answer

Don't have an account yet? Join today

Ask a question

Find your French level for FREE

Test your French to the CEFR standard

Find your French level
Getting that for you now...