Completive clause – proposition complétive
Let's Define It!
What's a *completive clause*?
A completive clause is also known under various names:
- complement clause
- noun clause
- nominal clause
- substantive clause
In French, it is known as une proposition complétive.
A completive clause is often the direct object of a verb such as penser (think), croire (believe, think), savoir (know), voir (see), etc. As a clause, it normally contains at least a verb.
There are three types of propositions complétives:
1. The conjunctive dependent clause introduced by the subordinating conjunctions que or ce que.
- J'aimerais que tu me prennes en photo. I would like you to take a picture of me.
- Je ne m'attendais pas à ce qu'il vienne de sitôt. I didn't expect him to come that early.
2. The infinitive dependent clause doesn't include an introductory word, but always contains a verb in the infinitive. Usually, this type of completive clause is the object of a verb of perception like voir (see) entendre (hear), sentir (feel) :
- Elle pouvait sentir son coeur battre. She could feel her heart beat.
- J'ai vu des enfants jouer dans le parc. I saw children playing in the park.
3. The interrogative dependent clause which actually is a way to ask a question indirectly.
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The interrogative clause is said to be "total" when it is introduced by si (if).
J'ignore si elle viendra. I don't know if she will come.
The interrogative clause is said to be "partial" when it is introduced by an interrogative determiner (quel), an interrogative pronoun (qui) or an interrogative adverb (pourquoi).
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Let's Pronounce It!
What does it sound like in French?
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Let's Have an Example or Two!
Can a little reinforcement do the trick?
Find below a few examples of completive clauses. I have underlined them for your convenience.
- Je vois que vous vous sentez bien mieux à présent. (I see that you're feeling much better now).
- Il entend le musicien jouer sa musique. (He (can) hear the musician playing his music. )
- Elle sait que vous lui avez menti. (She knows that you lied to her).
- Le prof pensait que j'avais tort. The teacher thought that I was wrong.
- Je veux savoir quand vous irez en France. (I want to know when you'll go to France).
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