Expressing Certainty vs Uncertainty

This grammar point relies on "moods." In French, the Indicative mood is for facts and certainties. The Subjunctive mood is for everything else: doubt, emotion, and uncertainty. When you express an opinion, the verb in your main clause acts as a trigger. For example, Je pense que (I think that) usually triggers the Indicative. Why? Because you are stating a firm belief. However, if you say Je ne pense pas que (I don't think that), you have introduced doubt. That doubt flips the switch. Suddenly, you need the Subjunctive for the second verb. It is like a chemical reaction. Change one ingredient in the main clause, and the whole sentence structure changes. This is why B1 learners often find it tricky. You have to keep track of the "vibe" of your sentence from start to finish. Yes, even native speakers mess this up sometimes when they are tired! Just remember: certainty equals Indicative, and uncertainty equals Subjunctive.

1. 1Start with your subject and an opinion verb like penser, croire, or trouver.
2. 2Add the connector que. This is the bridge to your next thought.
3. 3Determine your level of certainty. Are you making a positive statement, a negative one, or asking a question?
4. 4If the statement is positive (e.g., Je suis sûr que), use the Indicative for the second verb.
5. 5If the statement is negative or a question (e.g., Je ne suis pas sûr que), use the Subjunctive.
6. 6Conjugate the second verb according to the chosen mood and the new subject.

You use the Indicative when you are standing on solid ground. This happens with positive statements like Je crois que, Je trouve que, or Il est certain que. Use this when ordering food and you are sure about your choice. Use it in a job interview when stating your skills confidently. You also use the Subjunctive when the ground feels shaky. This happens with negative opinions like Je ne crois pas que or Il n'est pas vrai que. It also happens with expressions of possibility like Il est possible que. Imagine you are asking for directions. If you aren't sure if the museum is open, you would use the Subjunctive. It signals to the other person that they should double-check your info. It is a very polite way to show you aren't 100% sure.

Do not use the Subjunctive if you are certain. Phrases like Je sais que or Il est évident que always take the Indicative. Also, watch out for the "Same Subject Trap." If the person expressing the opinion is the same person doing the action, don't use que at all. Instead, use an infinitive. For example, say Je pense avoir raison instead of Je pense que j'ai raison. It sounds much more natural and saves you from a grammar headache. Another time to avoid the Subjunctive is with the verb espérer (to hope). Even though hope feels uncertain, French treats it as a future certainty. So, J'espère qu'il viendra uses the Indicative. It is a weird quirk, but every language has one! Think of espérer as the exception that proves the rule.

A very common mistake is using the Subjunctive after Je suis sûr que. Because it feels like an "opinion," learners get nervous. But remember, "sure" is the definition of certainty! Another mistake is forgetting to flip the mood for questions. Tu penses qu'il est là ? is fine with the Indicative. But in formal French, Penses-tu qu'il soit là ? uses the Subjunctive. This is a bit of a "pro move," so don't sweat it too much early on. Also, watch out for Il me semble que. This means "It seems to me," which is quite certain for a Frenchman. It takes the Indicative. However, Il semble que (without the "me") is more vague and takes the Subjunctive. It is a tiny difference that changes everything. It is like the difference between "I'm pretty sure" and "Someone said that..."

You might confuse this with expressing feelings. While opinions and feelings both use que, they behave differently. Je suis content que (a feeling) always takes the Subjunctive, even if you are 100% sure you are happy. Opinions are the only ones that flip-flop based on certainty. Also, compare Il est probable que and Il est possible que. In the French mind, "probable" is likely enough to be Indicative. "Possible" is uncertain enough to be Subjunctive. It is a very thin line. Think of it like a weather forecast. 80% chance of rain? Indicative. 30% chance? Subjunctive. It is all about the probability scale in your head.