In the sentence "Surveille ton frère le temps que je fasse les lit" why is the subjunctive of faire used ?

patrick r.C1Kwiziq community member

In the sentence "Surveille ton frère le temps que je fasse les lit" why is the subjunctive of faire used ?

Asked 2 years ago
Jim J.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor Correct answer

Hi Patrick,

https://www.lawlessfrench.com/subjunctivisor/le-temps-que/

It is required, but why?      There are a number of situations that require the subjunctive -- a couple for example  --  Wish, Emotion, Doubt, Desire ......      In the text given in your query, seems to me that there is an element of doubt or emotion being expressed given that the brother needs to be watched while the beds are being made up. There is perhaps a concern that the brother may misbehave or come to some harm if not supervised.

Hope this helps.

Jim

Barbara J.C1Kwiziq community member

Because it's a command

Chris W.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor

@Barbara: le temps que requires the subjunctive regardless of whether it is used in a command.

Je fais le petit-déjeuner le temps que tu fasses ton lit. --  I make breakfast by the time you make your bed.

Jim J.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor

@Barbara,

Further to Chris's point, I would expect a command to involve the Impératif mood rather than the subjunctive mood.

patrick r.C1Kwiziq community member

Thanks to Jim, Barbara and Chris for their replies.  le temps que je comprenne toutes les complexités de la langue française je serai un vieil homme

In the sentence "Surveille ton frère le temps que je fasse les lit" why is the subjunctive of faire used ?

Sign in to submit your answer

Don't have an account yet? Join today

Ask a question

Find your French level for FREE

Test your French to the CEFR standard

Find your French level
Let me take a look at that...