Use of subjunctive

Frank C.C1Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor

Use of subjunctive

In the sentence, "Pour moi, le pire, c'est le fait que le gouvernement ait contourné le processus démocratique en empêchant l'Assemblée Nationale de voter pour ou contre cette loi.", why is the subjunctive used?  Is it simply a variation of "C'est important que..."?  I had not seen this usage before.  Thanks. 

Asked 1 year ago
Maarten K.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor Correct answer

‘Le fait que …’ has optional use of the subjunctive. When the following statement is subjective, disputable or uncertain, the subjunctive is used to convey this. If followed by a verifiable, known fact, the subjunctive is not needed. 

In other words, ‘le fait que ..’ is used to express both certain and presumed or supposed ‘facts’, and the presence of the subjunctive or not conveys the difference.

Whereas ‘le fait est que …’  does not take the subjunctive.

 

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

https://www.lawlessfrench.com/subjunctivisor/le-fait-est-que//

Chris W.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor

As an alternative explanation for the subjunctive: the superlative is also often cause to resort to the subjunctive if it isn't an objective statement and expresses an opinion. Le pire c'est... is the superlative.

It's entirely OK that the subjunctive covers two needs.

Frank C. asked:

Use of subjunctive

In the sentence, "Pour moi, le pire, c'est le fait que le gouvernement ait contourné le processus démocratique en empêchant l'Assemblée Nationale de voter pour ou contre cette loi.", why is the subjunctive used?  Is it simply a variation of "C'est important que..."?  I had not seen this usage before.  Thanks. 

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