Breakdown of Je suis sûr qu'il ne va pas céder, même s'il est sur le point de craquer.
je
I
être
to be
il
he
ne
not (used before the verb)
pas
not (used after the verb)
aller
to go
que
that (introducing a clause)
sûr
sure
être sur le point de
to be about to
même si
even if
craquer
to crack
céder
to yield
Questions & Answers about Je suis sûr qu'il ne va pas céder, même s'il est sur le point de craquer.
Why is il ne va pas in the indicative and not the subjunctive?
Even though Je suis sûr que expresses an opinion, it states a certainty. In French, phrases expressing certainty or strong belief take the indicative in affirmative sentences. However, if the sentence were negative (like Je ne suis pas sûr qu'il...), it would require the subjunctive because it would then express doubt.
Does même si require a specific tense or mood here?
Yes, même si (even if) is always followed by the indicative mood, never the subjunctive, even though it introduces a hypothetical or contrary idea. Here, it is followed by the present indicative (il est). Also, note that si only contracts with il or ils (becoming s'il or s'ils), never with elle or on.
How does the phrase sur le point de work to mean "about to"?
The expression être sur le point de literally means "to be on the point of," and it is the standard French way to say "to be about to" or "to be on the verge of" doing something. It must always be followed by an infinitive verb, which in this case is craquer.
What is the nuance between céder and craquer in this sentence?
Céder means "to yield" or "to give in" to pressure, such as finally agreeing to someone's demands. Craquer is more colloquial and visceral; it means "to crack," "to break down," or "to snap" under emotional or mental stress. The speaker is saying he won't give up his position (céder) even if he is having a mental breakdown (craquer).
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