French Noun Clauses (Complement Clauses)
Grammar_SentenceStructure_Complement.intro_desc
Don't confuse with Relative Clauses!
Grammar_SentenceStructure_Complement.confuse_desc
Noun Clause:
Grammar_SentenceStructure_Complement.confuse_noun_ex
Relative Clause:
Grammar_SentenceStructure_Complement.confuse_rel_ex
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
Grammar_SentenceStructure_Complement.inf_desc
When both subjects are the SAME:
Grammar_SentenceStructure_Complement.same_subject_desc
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.