Tuesday, May 19, 2020

Does Il Est Évident Need the Subjunctive

The French expression il est à ©vident / cest à ©vident means it is obvious, and it may require the subjunctive, depending on whether it is used affirmatively, negatively or interrogatively. When used affirmatively, il est à ©vident does not require the subjunctive.   Example Il est à ©vident / Cest à ©vident quil le fait.Its obvious that hes doing it. But when the phrase is structured in the negative or the interrogative—therefore expresses doubt or uncertainty—it calls for the subjunctive. Examples Il nest pas à ©vident / Ce nest pas à ©vident quil le fasse.Its not obvious that hell do it. (Note: Its not obvious that hell do it is not the same as Its obvious that hell not do it. The latter is an affirmative use of the term and would require the indicative, as a result.) Est-il à ©vident / Est-ce à ©vident quil le fasse?Is it obvious that hell do it?

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