Subjunctive with Doubt and Uncertainty

One of the most important — and sometimes confusing — uses of the French subjunctive is with expressions of doubt and uncertainty. Unlike wishes and emotions, which clearly signal the subjunctive, doubt triggers require you to think carefully about whether the speaker is expressing certainty (indicative) or uncertainty (subjunctive).

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The Core Principle

The rule is straightforward in principle:

• Certainty / Belief → Indicative
• Doubt / Uncertainty / Denial → Subjunctive

Certainty (Indicative)	Doubt (Subjunctive)
Je sais que tu as raison. (I know you are right.)	Je doute que tu aies raison. (I doubt you are right.)
Je crois qu'il vient. (I believe he is coming.)	Je ne crois pas qu'il vienne. (I don't believe he is coming.)
Il est certain qu'elle est là. (It is certain she is here.)	Il est possible qu'elle soit là. (It is possible she is here.)
Je pense que c'est vrai. (I think it is true.)	Je ne pense pas que ce soit vrai. (I don't think it is true.)

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Verbs of Doubt