I do not understand why hope is not expressed in the subjunctive - "J'espère que la circulation ne sera pas trop mauvaise." What is the difference between "espèrer" et "penser" when using the subjunctive?
By the way, "J'en ai pour cinq minutes maximum" is the type of little idiomatic phrase that I talk about as necessary to really speak French. It doesn't really translate verbatim, but it's a common phrase you have to understand. Thanks.
Hi Sean,
'Espérer que' is a tricky verb and you are correct in your second post that it will be followed by an indicative when in an affirmative statement - in the future tense as it refers to something that hasn't happened yet -
J'espère qu'il va arriver vite = I hope he'll get here quick
J'espère qu'il n'y aura pas trop de circulation ( from the text)
But it can be followed by a subjunctive in interrogative, negative and imperative sentences depending on the degree of doubt which you want to convey.
It is similar to croire que, penser que, etc. in so far as it behaves in a similar manner but much more tricky to use correctly in my opinion.
This is the Kwiziq lesson on other verbs which express an opinion in French -
Hope this helps!
Is this accurate - declarative sentences using penser or espérer are followed by the future tense. Negative sentences using penser or espérer are followed by the subjunctive?
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