Learn French: Je pense que la proposition est pertinente, mais je ne pense pas qu'elle soit parfaite. - I think that the proposal is relevant, but I do not think that it is perfect.

Je pense que la proposition est pertinente, mais je ne pense pas qu'elle soit parfaite.

I think that the proposal is relevant, but I do not think that it is perfect.

Breakdown of Je pense que la proposition est pertinente, mais je ne pense pas qu'elle soit parfaite.

Questions & Answers about Je pense que la proposition est pertinente, mais je ne pense pas qu'elle soit parfaite.

Why does the verb change from est to soit in the same sentence?

The first half uses Je pense que, which is an affirmative opinion and takes the indicative mood (est). The second half uses je ne pense pas que. Making the opinion negative introduces doubt, which triggers the subjunctive mood (soit). This sentence perfectly shows how the same verb changes based on the phrasing of the opinion!

Would I use the subjunctive if I asked this as a question, like 'Do you think the proposal is perfect?'

Yes! Just like negative opinions, asking a question with an opinion verb (like Pensez-vous que...) introduces doubt or uncertainty. You would use the subjunctive: Pensez-vous que la proposition soit parfaite ?

Is pertinente a false friend? Can I just say relevante?

Yes, this is a classic false friend. In French, the English concept of 'relevant' is translated as pertinent (or the feminine pertinente). The French word relevant exists, but it comes from the verb relever (to raise or to notice), so using it here would confuse people.

What if I used the verb douter (to doubt)? Would je ne doute pas que also take the subjunctive?