Breakdown of Il a optimisé le processus, de sorte que l'équipe a fini plus tôt.
il
he
avoir
to have
l'équipe
the team (f)
tôt
early
finir
to finish
plus
more
de sorte que
so that (with the result that)
optimiser
to optimize
le processus
the process
Questions & Answers about Il a optimisé le processus, de sorte que l'équipe a fini plus tôt.
Why is the indicative (a fini) used here after de sorte que instead of the subjunctive?
De sorte que can take either the indicative or the subjunctive depending on its meaning in the sentence. Here, it describes a factual result: the team actually did finish earlier. When de sorte que introduces a real consequence or result, it takes the indicative.
How would the meaning change if the subjunctive were used instead?
If the sentence used the past subjunctive (de sorte que l'équipe ait fini plus tôt), it would express a goal or purpose rather than a guaranteed result. It would translate to 'in order that the team might finish earlier,' leaving it uncertain whether they actually achieved that goal.
Could I use pour que instead of de sorte que in this sentence?
Not without changing the meaning and the grammar. Pour que always means 'so that' in the sense of a goal or purpose, and it always triggers the subjunctive. Because this sentence is stating a factual result rather than an intention, de sorte que with the indicative is the correct choice.
Why is the result expressed in the passé composé (a fini) rather than the imparfait (finissait)?
Learn Il a optimisé le processus, de sorte que l'équipe a fini plus tôt and more in French
All course content and exercises are completely free — no paywalls, no trial periods, no signup needed.
- ✓ Practice with interactive exercises
- ✓ Track your progress with spaced repetition
- ✓Learn at your own pace — completely free