pourquoi "aient"

Carl C.C1Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor

pourquoi "aient"

We are told "penser" takes the indicative for positive and takes the subjunctive for the negative.  Why use the subjunctive, "aient", for "pensez vous que ces legendes aient"  Why not "ont"?

This question relates to:French dictation exercise "Brittany, a land of legends"

Dictation exercise B2

Asked 18 hours ago
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Anne D.C1Kwiziq Q&A regular contributorCorrect answer

Using penser in a question with inversion -  "pensez-vous" - also requires the subjunctive. It’s not in this lesson, but is referenced about halfway down the discussion:

 "Penser/trouver/savoir/croire/prétendre que" are followed with the indicative mood (L'Indicatif) in affirmative sentences BUT with the subjunctive mood (Le Subjonctif) in negative ones

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Maarten K.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor

Carl, 

you could also check the link Laura Lawless subjunctivisor for further discussion.

 https://www.lawlessfrench.com/subjunctivisor/penser/

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Carl C. asked:View original

pourquoi "aient"

We are told "penser" takes the indicative for positive and takes the subjunctive for the negative.  Why use the subjunctive, "aient", for "pensez vous que ces legendes aient"  Why not "ont"?

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