Question 1

Why does this sentence start with Que?

Accepted Answer

Starting a sentence with Que followed by a clause is a formal way to make that entire clause the subject of the sentence, translating to "That [something happens]...". Here, Que le délai change... (That the timeframe changes...) is the subject of the main verb est normal. You will more commonly hear this phrased with a dummy subject: Il est normal que le délai change... (It is normal that...).

Question 2

Is change in the indicative or subjunctive mood here?

Accepted Answer

It is in the subjunctive mood! Even though it looks identical to the present indicative, the structure [Que + clause] est normal requires the subjunctive for the verb inside that clause. It follows the exact same rule as Il est normal que, which always triggers the subjunctive.

Question 3

Why is the verb est in the indicative mood after selon que?

Accepted Answer

Unlike many conjunctions ending in que (such as bien que or pour que), selon que is followed by the indicative mood. This is because it introduces factual, objective alternatives (whether it is A or B) rather than subjective feelings, doubts, or unfulfilled actions.

Question 4

Could I use suivant que instead of selon que in this sentence?

Accepted Answer

Yes, absolutely. selon que and suivant que both mean "depending on whether" and are completely interchangeable in this context. Both require the indicative mood.

Que le délai change selon que la livraison est locale ou internationale est normal.

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