Inverted verbs and subjunctive

Question

I translated 'don't you think that markets are more expensive ' as 'Ne penses-tu pas que les marchés soient plus chers'. It is an inverted verb in the negative form. I'm confused.

Céline Pickard · Accepted Answer

Bonjour Pamela,
In this instance, Kwizbot marked your answer as "incorrect" because, in French, when the verb "penser que" (or trouver / savoir / croire / prétendre que) is in the negative form but in a question, you are seeking a sort of confirmation (i.e. rhetorical/polite question such as "don't you think...?"). In this instance, in French, you will use L'Indicatif rather than Le Subjonctif because you are assuming the statement to be true. However, you're asking for confirmation of your thoughts/beliefs rather than pointing out your doubt/uncertainty.
Je ne pense pas que tous les marchés soient plus chers. = I do not think all markets are more expensive.
Ne penses-tu pas que tous les marchés sont plus chers ? = Don't you think most markets are more expensive?
I hope this is helpful.
Bonne journée !