what if the subject is the same in the sans que clause?

KatieC1Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor

what if the subject is the same in the sans que clause?

I noticed in all these examples the subjects are not the same in the main clause and in the sans que clause.

What if for examples 1 and 3 of this lesson, I say "He came without telling you." "We decorated everything without bothering you." 

Would this phrasing affect how they would be written in French?

Or would I still indicate the subject in both clauses even though the subjects are the same, like such? "Il est venu sans qu'il te dise." "On a tout décoré sans qu'on vous dérange."

Asked 3 years ago
ChrisC1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor Correct answer

When the subjects in the two clauses are the same, you don't need que.

Il est venu sans te le dire. -- He came without telling you.
On a tout décoré sans te déranger. -- We decorated everything without bothering you.

KatieC1Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor

Thanks, Chris!

KatieC1Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor

thanks, Chris! And I noticed the sans clause is then in infinitive rather than subjuntif form.

ChrisC1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor

Yes, absolutely. The subjunctive is only used in case of sans que.

Katie asked:View original

what if the subject is the same in the sans que clause?

I noticed in all these examples the subjects are not the same in the main clause and in the sans que clause.

What if for examples 1 and 3 of this lesson, I say "He came without telling you." "We decorated everything without bothering you." 

Would this phrasing affect how they would be written in French?

Or would I still indicate the subject in both clauses even though the subjects are the same, like such? "Il est venu sans qu'il te dise." "On a tout décoré sans qu'on vous dérange."

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
Clever stuff happening!