Dependent clauses and the indicative mood
A dependent clause cannot stand alone as a sentence and does not, by itself, express a complete thought. It depends on the rest of the sentence for its meaning and must always be attached to a main clause that completes its meaning. In addition, the verb in the main clause sometimes governs the mood required for the verb in the dependent clause. In some cases, the indicative mood in the dependent clause is governed by an idea of objectivity and probability in the main clause:
In other cases, the indicative mood in the dependent clause is governed by the interrogative adverb, prepositional phrase, or adverbial conjunction introducing the clause:
Indicative mood in the dependent clause governed by the verb or adjective in the main clause
When there is a verb or an adjective phrase in the main clause that states a fact, a certainty, or a probability, then the verb in the dependent clause is in the indicative mood.
que + subject + verb in indicative mood → dependent clause
In the following examples, the dependent clause completes the idea of the main clause. Since the verb of the main clause suggests certainty or probability, the verb in the dependent clause introduced by the conjunction que is in the indicative mood. Note that the verb in the dependent clause can be in various tenses of the indicative mood as appropriate in the context.
In the next examples, note that the verbs in the main clauses (penser, croire, espérer) are less suggestive of certainty than verbs such as savoir, annoncer, dire, ne pas douter,orconvaincre that were used in the previous example sentences. However, when used in the affirmative form in the main clause, these verbs still require the indicative mood in the dependent clause.
In the following examples, it is the adjective phrase of the main clause that suggests certainty or probability. Therefore, the verb in the dependent clause introduced by the conjunction que is again in the indicative mood.
Identify the verb or verb phrase in the main clause of each sentence that conveys certainty or probability. Write the word(s) on the line provided and translate it into English.
1. Le président affirme que l’économie s’améliorera.
______________________________ = ______________________________
2. Nous nous rendons compte qu’il faut absolument participer aux élections.
______________________________ = ______________________________
3. Tu sais que j’ai un candidat favori.
______________________________ = ______________________________
4. Il est probable que beaucoup de gens voteront comme moi.
______________________________ = ______________________________
5. On dit que le nombre d’électeurs battra tous les records.
______________________________ = ______________________________
6. Les journalistes constatent que les candidats aux élections sont tous populaires.
______________________________ = ______________________________
Complete each main clause with the suggested answer in parentheses. Write the appropriate completions in French on the lines provided.
1. Zut! On annonce... (that there is going to be a snowstorm).
2. Mon mari dit... (that it already snowed a lot during the night).
3. Je sais... (that in winter this happens).
4. Mais j’espère... (that we will be able to drive to the mountains).
5. Je pense… (that it will be a good day for skiing).
6. Voilà une autre annonce météo. Justement ce que je pensais. Je n’ai jamais vraiment douté... (that it was going to be a beautiful day).
Indicative mood in the dependent clause governed by an interrogative adverb or prepositional phrase
A dependent clause is sometimes introduced by an interrogative adverb or by a prepositional phrase that governs the indicative mood.
Interrogative adverbs
The following interrogative adverbs require the use of the indicative mood in the dependent clause they introduce: pourquoi (why), combien (how much/many), quand (when), où(where), qui (who/whom), or si(if/whether).
interrogative adverb + subject + verb in indicative mood → dependent clause
In the following examples, the boldface dependent clause is introduced by an interrogative adverb and the verb in the dependent clause is in the indicative mood. Note that the verb can be in various tenses as appropriate in the context.
Prepositional phrases
Dependent clauses can be introduced by a prepositional phrase such as à quelle heure (at what time) or pour quelle raison (for what reason) or à quoi (for what). These phrases require the use of the indicative mood in the clauses they introduce.
interrogative prepositional phrase + subject + verb in indicative mood → dependent clause
Consider the following sentences in which the dependent clause is introduced by a prepositional phrase bearing an interrogative function and note that the verb can be in various tenses of the indicative mood:
Complete each sentence by choosing the appropriate interrogative adverb or prepositional phrase from the following list.
que / où / qui / si / comment / à quelle heure / pourquoi / quand
1. Je me demande ______________________________ est cette nouvelle étudiante.
2. J’aimerais savoir ______________________________ elle s’appelle.
3. Je me demande aussi ______________________________ elle arrive au cours avec deux semaines de retard.
4. Je suis un peu timide et je ne sais pas toujours ______________________________ dire dans une situation nouvelle.
5. Je pourrais lui demander ______________________________ elle a besoin de mon aide.
6. Si elle dit que oui, je lui demanderai ______________________________ elle voudrait étudier avec moi. Peut-être demain.
Match a main clause on the left with the most logical dependent clause on the right, and write the corresponding letter on the line provided.
Complete each sentence by filling in the blank with the French translation of the English phrase provided.
1. Je me demande ________________________________________. (if the weather will be nice)
2. Et j’aimerais savoir ________________________________________. (how we can go to the beach)
3. Sais-tu ________________________________________? (where we can catch a bus)
4. As-tu la moindre idée ________________________________________? (where the beach is)
5. Evidemment il faut aussi savoir ________________________________________. (at what time buses pass by)
Relative clauses and indicative mood
A great number of dependent clauses are introduced by a relative pronoun. (See Unit 9 for more on relative pronouns.) These are called relative clauses. The verb in a relative clause can be in the indicative or subjunctive mood depending on whether the main clause suggests certainty or uncertainty.
What is a relative clause?
A relative clause is a dependent clause introduced by a relative pronoun such as qui (who/which/that),que(whom/which/that),dont(whose/of which),andoù(where).
Note that in the following two examples the relative pronoun has no antecedent in the main clause. Therefore it is preceded by ce (which has no translation in English).
A relative clause sometimes performs as the subject of the main verb, and when this is the case, it precedes the main clause in French and in English. Consider the following examples:
A relative clause can also be introduced by a preposition followed by the relative pronoun qui (whom)or a form of the pronoun lequel(which).
preposition + qui/lequel + predicate → relative clause
In this situation, use quiwhen the antecedent is a person. Use the appropriate form of lequelin sentences where the antecedent is a thing. Remember that the form of the pronoun lequel changes according to the gender and number of its antecedent (the noun it replaces). Consider the following sentences in which the relative clauses are introduced by the preposition avec. Note that the relative clauses follow the main clause in English and in French alike. Also note that the verb in the relative clause can be in various tenses of the indicative mood.
Identify the antecedent of the boldface relative pronoun in each main clause by underlining it.
1. Le monsieur pour qui je travaille s’appelle M. René.
2. C’est la personne avec qui je m’entends le mieux au travail.
3. C’est l’ambiance à mon travail que j’apprécie beaucoup.
4. C’est mon patron qui m’inspire à travailler dur.
5. La seule chose que je n’aime pas, c’est le fait qu’on travaille le samedi.
6. Le temps libre dont nous avons tous besoin est précieux.
7. Tiens! Voilà une photo de la collègue dont je te parlais.
8. Et voilà le bureau dans lequel je passe tout mon temps.
Find the relative clause on the right that will best complete each main clause on the left and write the corresponding letter on the line provided.
What governs the indicative mood in a relative clause?
The indicative mood in the dependent relative clause is governed by two elements: 1) the verb in the main clause must express a fact, a certainty, or a probability; and 2) the existence of the antecedent of the relative pronoun must be certain. If these two conditions are met, then the verb in the relative clause is in the indicative mood.
In the previous example, the main clause is J’ai un chien and the relative clause is qui s’appelle Kozi. The antecedent of the relative pronoun quiis the noun (un chien) in the main clause—which is what is being replaced by the relative pronoun qui in the dependent clause. In this sentence, the antecedent exists, therefore it is certain. The verb in the main clause is a form of the verbavoir.This verbexpresses the fact of ownership. The conditions leading to the use of the indicative mood in the relative clause have been met.
In the following sentences, note that the verb in the relative clause can be in various tenses of the indicative mood as appropriate in the context, because the verb in the main clause expresses a fact.
Looking back at the previous sentences, it is clear that the relative pronoun replaced a noun in the main clause. For example, in the first sentence the relative pronoun qui replaces the noun phrase Petit Prince. Now consider these other sentences, which include a main clause and a relative clause:
In these sentences, the relative pronoun is preceded by ce, which functions as its antecedent since what I found or what happened is not explicitly stated.
Following the example, identify the relative pronoun and tell which word it replaces.
1. Rends-moi le stylo que je t’ai prêté!
______________________________ replaces ______________________________
2. Passe-moi le livre qui est sur le bureau!
______________________________ replaces ______________________________
3. Elle m’a raconté l’histoire dont tout le monde parle.
______________________________ replaces ______________________________
4. Nous invitons les amis que nous préférons.
______________________________ replaces ______________________________
5. Tiens! C’est le restaurant où nous avons dîné hier soir.
______________________________ replaces ______________________________
If the verb in the main clause expresses a fact, a certainty, or a probability, write Vrai. If it does not, write Faux.
1. ______________________________ Je connais la dame qui habite ici.
2. ______________________________ Il sait tout ce que je lui ai appris.
3. ______________________________ Vous vous rappelez bien ce dont nous avons envie.
4. ______________________________ Je doute pouvoir trouver un autre chien qui soit aussi mignon.
5. Je réponds au client qui téléphone.
6. ______________________________ Je rêve d’ un collier qui ressemble au collier de Sophia Loren.
Translate into English the relative clause of each sentence in Exercice 7-9.
1. I know the lady __________________________________________________.
2. He knows everything ______________________________________________.
3. You remember well ________________________________________________.
4. I doubt I can find another dog ________________________________________.
5. I am answering the client ____________________________________________.
6. I dream about a necklace ___________________________________________.
Choose the appropriate relative clause on the right for each sentence on the left.
Translate the following sentences into French.
1. I am looking for a hat that fits me.
2. But I do not see what I need.
3. I do not see anything (that) I like.
4. Can you (tu) recommend a store that you like?
5. You (tu) know what I want, right?
6. Let’s go to the store where you (tu) bought your hat!
Indicative mood in adverbial clauses
An adverbial clause is a clause that functions as an adverb in modifying another clause. Such a clause is introduced by a subordinating conjunction. Some subordinating conjunctions require the use of the indicative mood in the dependent clauses they introduce while others require the use of the subjunctive mood.
What is an adverbial clause?
This type of dependent clause may at first appear to express a complete thought but is in fact dependent upon a main clause for its meaning.
In this example, although the adverbial clause pendant qu’on rénove leur cuisine seems to make sense by itself, it is nothing but an additional detail to the main clauseLesRoberts passent deux jours à l’hôtel.It gives us information regarding when the Roberts are at the hotel and implies why they are at the hotel. It is not a complete thought, because, without the support of the main clause, we wonder what is happening while the kitchen is being renovated.
Types of adverbial clauses
The adverbial clause modifies and expands the meaning of the main clause by giving information as to when (time), why (cause or purpose), if (condition), and where (place) something happens, and in some cases why it is unexpected or restricted (concession). The type of subordinating conjunction that introduces the adverbial clause is essential as it indicates the nature of the relationship between the main clause and the dependent clause. The following subordinating conjunctions require the use of the indicative mood in the clauses they introduce, because they establish factual relationships of time (e.g. quand), cause/effect (e.g. parce que), condition (si), and place (où).
Consider the following sentences in which the dependent clause is in boldface and note that the adverbial clause is an incomplete thought and answers the questions when, why, if, or where.
Consider the following sentences, which include a main clause and an adverbial clause. Note that the adverbial clause may follow or precede the main clause in English and French alike. The verb in the adverbial clause can be in a variety of tenses in the indicative mood.
main clause + adverbial clause → sentence
or
Adverbial clauses establishing a time relationship
As previously stated, the conjunctions quand/lorsque (when), après que(after),dès que/aussitôt que (as soon as), pendant que/tandis que(while), and depuis que (since) establish a time relationship between the two clauses of the sentences. Consider the following sentences and note that the dependent clause may precede or follow the main clause. Also note the variety of tenses in the adverbial clauses.
When the action in a dependent clause introduced by one of the conjunctions of time (quand, lorsque, dès que, aussitôt que,andaprès que) is in the future tense, then correct French grammar requires you to use the future or the past future tense for the verb in that dependent clause. Consider the following sentences and note the use of these future tenses in the dependent clauses:
Adverbial clauses establishing a cause-and-effect relationship
These conjunctions establish a cause-and-effect relationship between the main and dependent clauses of a sentence: parce que (because), comme (as), and puisque (since). Consider the following sentences, which include an adverbial clause introduced by one of these conjunctions. Note that the dependent clause may again follow or precede the main clause in English and French alike.
Adverbial clauses establishing a condition
This type of dependent clause is always introduced by the conjunction si (if). It is commonly known as a conditional clause because it establishes a premise or condition that must be realized before a result can be obtained. The main clause contains the result.
The verb in a dependent clause introduced by sican be in the present, imperfect, or pluperfect tense of the indicative. The tense used for the verb in the main clause (also called the result clause) depends on the tense of the verb in the dependent si clause.
Consider the following conditional sentences and note that the dependent si clause may precede or follow the main clause in English and in French alike. Also note the tenses of the indicative mood used in the si clauses.
Adverbial clauses establishing a place or a location
This type of dependent clause is introduced by the conjunction où (where). It is different from a relative clause introduced by the relative pronoun où only because the entire clause refers to a place and où does not replace a specific noun or pronoun.
Use subordinating conjunctions such as pendant que, dès que, and so on to complete the following sentences.
1. ______________________________ Sasha regardait la télé, Barbara faisait la cuisine.
2. ______________________________ elle avait suivi un cours de cuisine, elle se passionnait pour cela.
3. Elle faisait des petits plats délicieux _______________________ son mari se reposait.
4. ______________________________ c’était elle qui insistait à tout faire, lui, n’avait rien à faire.
5. ______________________________ elle finissait à la cuisine, Sasha nettoyait tous les plats.
6. ______________________________ ce travail était terminé, ils dégustaient!
Determine which synonymous conjunction could replace each underlined conjunction and write it on the line provided.
1. ______________________________ Lorsque Ludovic arrive à l’aéroport, il y a une longue queue à la sécurité.
2. ______________________________ Comme il est pressé, il demande aux passagers de le laisser passer.
3. ______________________________ Puisqu’il est très poli, on le laisse passer. Quelle chance!
4. ______________________________ Dès qu’il arrive à la porte d’embarquement, il fait la queue pour embarquer.
5. ______________________________ Son cellulaire sonne juste au moment où il embarque dans l’avion.
Match a main clause with a dependent clause to reconstitute what is planned for tonight. Write the letter of the appropriate completion for each main clause on the line provided.
Complete each thought with the suggested conditional clause. Since all the main clause verbs are in the future tense, use the present tense in the si clauses.
1. Je gagnerai assez d’argent ________________________________________. (if I work)
2. J’irai en France. ________________________________________ (if I have time)
3. Je m’amuserai bien ________________________________________. (if you [tu] come with me)
4. Je resterai plus de deux semaines ________________________________________ . (if you [tu] stay with me)
5. Je regretterai beaucoup ________________________________________. (if you [tu] decide not to come)
6. Je resterai plus longtemps ________________________________________ . (if we find an inexpensive hotel)
7. Je partirai plus tôt ________________________________________ . (if I have no more money)
8. J’y retournerai bientôt ________________________________________. (if all goes well)