Stating Opinions with "Penser que" and "Croire que"
To say what you think or believe, use penser (to think) or croire (to believe) followed by que (that).
When making an affirmative statement, the verb following que stays in the indicative mood (like the standard present or future tense) because you are stating what you consider to be a fact or strong probability.
| I think that artificial intelligence is the future. | Je pense que l'intelligence artificielle est l'avenir. |
| We believe that autonomous robots will do the housework. | Nous croyons que les robots autonomes feront le ménage. |
Asking for Opinions: The Subjunctive
When you ask for an opinion (such as pensez-vous que... ? or croyez-vous que... ?), you introduce doubt.
Because the answer isn't a stated fact, the verb following que takes the subjunctive mood. Notice how the verb pouvoir (to be able to) changes to its subjunctive form (puisse) below.
| Do you believe that artificial intelligence can change the world? | Croyez-vous que l'intelligence artificielle puisse changer le monde ? |
| Do you think that the algorithm can calculate that? | Pensez-vous que l'algorithme puisse calculer ça ? |
Expressing Doubt: Negative Opinions
Similarly, negative statements with ne pas penser que or ne pas croire que express denial, doubt, or uncertainty.
Just like questions, these negative opinions require the subjunctive.
| I don't think that this autonomous robot can understand what I'm saying. | Je ne pense pas que ce robot autonome puisse comprendre ce que je dis. |
| They don't think that the robot knows how to control the threat. | Ils ne pensent pas que le robot sache contrôler la menace. |
