French grammar - Subjunctive with Negative Pronouns and Indefinite Pronouns |
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The negative pronouns ne..personne and ne..rien take the subjunctive in their subordinate clause. Likewise, quelqu'un qui and quelque chose qui require the subjunctive when there is doubt as to whether the person or thing being referenced actually exists. |
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Il n'y a personne ici que nous connaissons.
There is no one here that we know. |
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Il n'y a personne ici qui nous connaisse.
There is no one here who knows us. |
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Je ne connais personne qui sache parler le portugais.
I don't know anyone who can speak Portuguese. |
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Il n'y a rien qu'il puisse dire qui puisse m'empêcher.
There's nothing he can say that can prevent me (from doing something).
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Nous ne voulons rien qui se vende dans ce magasin.
We don't want anything being sold in this store. |
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Il n'y a rien du tout dans cette situation qui soit compréhensible.
There is nothing at all in this situation that is understandable. |
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Ils n'ont rien dit de nouveau ou qui m'ait surpris.
They didn't say anything new or that surprised me. |
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Dites-moi s'il y a quelqu'un qui se souvienne de l'adresse.
Tell me if anyone remembers the address.
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Je veux quelque chose qui puisse simplifier la vie.
I want something that can make life easier.
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Nous cherchons quelqu'un qui puisse travailler indépendamment.
We are looking for someone who can work independently.
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Il ne connaît personne qui veuille venir à la fête.
He doesn't know anyone who wants to come to the party.
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C'est quelque chose qui me restera pour toujours.
It's something that will stay with me forever.
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Doubt whether such a person exists