FrenchB2Lesson 7.2
🇫🇷 French B2 · Lesson 7.2

Conseils nuancés — Nuanced advice

Give careful advice and express doubt or worry using the subjunctive.

Listen first

A friend advises another who is overworking. Listen for the subjunctive of doubt and worry.

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New vocabulary — tap to hear
je doute que (+ subj.)I doubt that 🔊
je crains que (+ subj.)I fear that 🔊
il vaudrait mieux que (+ subj.)it would be better that 🔊
à ta placeif I were you 🔊
ménager ses effortsto pace oneself 🔊
tenir le coupto hold up / cope 🔊

Now say it

Tap the phrase to hear it, then press the mic and repeat — we score your pronunciation for real (Chrome/Edge).

« Je crains que tu ne t'épuises ; il vaudrait mieux que tu prennes du repos. » 🔊
I fear you're wearing yourself out; it would be better for you to rest.
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Pronunciation

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Read the dialogue

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Je crains que tu ne tiennes pas le coup à ce rythme-là. 🔊I fear that you won't cope at this pace.
J'avoue être épuisé, mais je doute qu'on me laisse lever le pied. 🔊I admit I'm exhausted, but I doubt they'll let me ease off.
À ta place, j'en parlerais franchement à mon responsable. 🔊If I were you, I'd talk to my manager about it openly.
Tu crois vraiment qu'il comprendrait ? 🔊Do you really think he would understand?
Il vaudrait mieux que tu essaies plutôt que de t'effondrer en silence. 🔊It would be better for you to try rather than collapse in silence.
Tu as raison ; il est temps que je ménage mes efforts. 🔊You're right; it's time I paced myself.
Grammar in focus · le subjonctif après le doute & l'émotion

Doubt and emotion trigger the subjunctive: « je doute que ce soit possible », « je crains que tu ne sois fatigué », « il vaudrait mieux que tu partes ». Note the optional « ne » explétif after « craindre que » (« je crains qu'il ne vienne ») — it carries no negative meaning.

Write it yourself

Write 5 sentences of advice to a stressed friend, using « je crains que » and « il vaudrait mieux que » + subjunctive at least once each.

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Tip for this task
Bien ! Both expressions need the subjunctive. Example: « Je crains que tu ne fasses un burn-out ; il vaudrait mieux que tu consultes quelqu'un. »

Quick check

An adaptive quiz confirms you've got it and schedules the right words for review.

1. « Je doute que » is followed by…
2. The « ne » in « je crains qu'il ne vienne » is…
3. « Tenir le coup » means…
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