Why isn’t the Subjonctif Mood used here?

Shakir A.A1Kwiziq community member

Why isn’t the Subjonctif Mood used here?

For example why don’t we say « je pense que tu sois gentil » instead of « Je pense que tu es gentil »

Thanks in advance :)

This question relates to:French lesson "Penser que/Croire que = To think that/To believe that in French"

Asked 5 years ago

Like1Answer1

Jean W.C1Kwiziq Q&A regular contributorCorrect answer

The verb penser and a few others have special rules regarding the use of the subjunctive. There are entire chapters in some grammar texts on this because it is quite complex, but as I understand it, the subjunctive is used for negative ideas or inverted interrogative phrases (ex. pensez-vous qu'il soit gentil ?) with these verbs. However, for affirmative statements as is the one in your question, the indicative is used.

Like15 years ago

Shakir A. asked: