Breakdown of Je crois qu’il existe une solution simple pour réussir cet examen.
je
I
il
he
que
that
croire
to believe
pour
in order to
réussir
to succeed
exister
to exist
cet
this
simple
simple
l'examen
the exam
la solution
the solution
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Questions & Answers about Je crois qu’il existe une solution simple pour réussir cet examen.
What does Je crois mean and how does it function in this sentence?
Je crois translates to "I believe". It functions as the main clause in the sentence, expressing the speaker’s personal belief or opinion before introducing the subordinate clause with the information they consider true.
How is the clause introduced by que used, and what does the subordinate clause convey?
The subordinate clause qu’il existe une solution simple pour réussir cet examen is introduced by que, linking it to the main belief. It conveys that a simple solution exists to succeed in this exam. In English, the whole idea might be rendered as "I believe that there exists a simple solution to succeed in this exam."
Why is the impersonal subject il used in il existe, and does it refer to a specific object?
In French, il existe is an impersonal construction where il acts as a dummy subject. It does not refer to any specific noun, much in the same way that the English phrase "there exists" or "there is" uses there without pointing to any particular entity. Its role is solely to form the existence statement.
Why is the demonstrative adjective cet used before examen instead of ce?
The adjective cet is used because examen is a masculine noun that begins with a vowel sound. In French, to ensure smooth pronunciation, ce becomes cet before nouns that start with a vowel (or a silent h), which is why we say cet examen rather than ce examen.
What is the function of the phrase pour réussir cet examen in the sentence?
The phrase pour réussir cet examen is an infinitive phrase expressing purpose. It explains the intended outcome or goal of the simple solution mentioned earlier—namely, to succeed in the exam. It’s akin to saying "in order to succeed in this exam" in English.