Judgement or certainty?
Impersonal expressions begin with an il that refers to nobody – like it in it is important that .... The structure is the same as in English; the difference is the mood of the verb after que. English rarely shows a subjunctive there (It is essential that he be informed is a formal echo), French does.
If the expression conveys a necessity, a possibility or a judgement, the verb after que is in the subjunctive: the speaker is not stating a fact but assessing it. If it conveys certainty, the indicative is used.
Il faut que - must and have to
il faut que is the most common subjunctive trigger. Where English uses a modal (I have to go, we need to), French usually goes impersonal: literally it is necessary that I go.
Must and have to in French
Il faut que je parte maintenant.
I have to leave now.
Il faut que nous soyons à l'aéroport à six heures.
We have to be at the airport at six.
Il faut qu'on achète du pain.
We need to buy some bread.
Judgements with il est ... que
This pattern lets you express almost any assessment – important, necessary, possible, normal, a pity. The subjunctive follows.
Evaluative expressions
| Expression | Meaning |
|---|---|
| il vaut mieux que | it is better that |
| il est important que | it is important that |
| il est nécessaire que | it is necessary that |
| il est possible que | it is possible that |
| il est normal que | it is normal that |
| il est dommage / c'est dommage que | it is a pity that |
| il est temps que | it is time that |
all with que + subjunctive
Judgements in sentences
Il est normal que tu sois fatigué après ce voyage.
It's normal that you're tired after this trip.
Il est possible que le magasin soit fermé le lundi.
The shop may be closed on Mondays.
C'est dommage que vous ne puissiez pas rester.
It's a pity you can't stay.
Il est temps que nous rentrions.
It's time for us to go home.
In speech people usually say c'est instead of il est: C'est important que tu viennes. The mood does not change, it stays subjunctive.
Certainty takes the indicative
If the expression conveys certainty, the speaker presents something as a fact. Then the indicative is used.
Expressions of certainty
| Expression | Meaning |
|---|---|
| il est certain / sûr que | it is certain that |
| il est vrai que | it is true that |
| il est évident / clair que | it is obvious / clear that |
| il est probable que | it is probable that |
all with que + indicative
Certainty in sentences
Il est certain qu'il viendra.
It's certain that he'll come.
Il est vrai que le train est souvent en retard.
It's true that the train is often late.
Il est évident qu'elle a raison.
It's obvious that she's right.
The pair possible and probable shows the logic: il est possible que (open) takes the subjunctive, il est probable que (already fairly sure) takes the indicative. The surer the speaker, the more likely the indicative.
Il est possible qu'il pleuve demain.
It's possible that it will rain tomorrow.
Il est probable qu'il pleuvra demain.
It will probably rain tomorrow.
Negated or questioned, the mood flips
If you negate an expression of certainty or ask it as a question, the certainty is gone. The subjunctive is then the rule.
Il n'est pas certain qu'il vienne.
It isn't certain that he'll come.
Il n'est pas évident qu'elle sache conduire.
It isn't clear whether she can drive.
Est-il certain qu'il puisse venir ?
Is it certain that he can come?
General statements take the infinitive
If the statement is general and not about a specific person, there is no que clause, just an infinitive: without a preposition after il faut and il vaut mieux, with de after il est ....
General or personal?
General → infinitive
Il faut réserver à l'avance.
One has to book in advance.
Il est important de dormir assez.
It's important to get enough sleep.
Specific person → que + subjunctive
Il faut que tu réserves à l'avance.
You have to book in advance.
Il est important que tu dormes assez.
It's important that you get enough sleep.
