French Noun Clauses (Complement Clauses)
A noun clause (une proposition subordonnée complétive) is a group of words that acts as a direct object of a verb in the main clause. Unlike relative clauses which refer to a noun, noun clauses refer to a verb.
Don't confuse with Relative Clauses!
Both are often introduced by que, but look at what they refer to:
Noun Clause:
J'espère que tu viendras. (Refers to verb 'espère')
Relative Clause:
Le gâteau que Fiona a fait est bon. (Refers to noun 'gâteau')
1. Noun clauses with 'que'
These follow verbs of declaration (dire), opinion (penser, croire), perception (voir), feeling or wish (vouloir, préférer), or impersonal verbs (il faut).
Indicative Mood
Used for statements of fact, certainty, or objective opinion. Verbs: affirmer, dire, penser*, croire*, espérer, promettre, savoir.
Subjunctive Mood
Used for wishes, feelings, doubt, possibility, or necessity. Verbs: douter, vouloir, aimer, préférer, regretter, il faut.
Which Tense? (Sequence of Tenses)
The tense in the dependent clause relates to the time of the main clause.
| Main Verb Tense | Timing of action | Clause Tense |
|---|---|---|
| Present (Il dit...) | Prior occurrence | Passé composé |
| Present (Il dit...) | Simultaneous | Présent |
| Present (Il dit...) | Future occurrence | Futur |
| Past (Il a dit...) | Prior | Plus-que-parfait |
| Past (Il a dit...) | Simultaneous | Imparfait |
| Past (Il a dit...) | Future in the past | Conditionnel |
2. Infinitive Clauses
An infinitive clause has its own subject (different from the main clause subject) and an infinitive verb. It follows verbs of perception (entendre, voir, écouter) or verbs like laisser, faire, envoyer.
When both subjects are the SAME:
If the clause and main verb share a subject, you use the infinitive instead of a que clause. This is obligatory with subjunctive verbs and optional with indicative verbs.
3. Indirect Questions
A noun clause following a reporting verb (demander, savoir) that introduces a question.
Practice Noun Clauses
Master the formation and mood selection of French noun clauses through targeted interactive drills.