Noun clauses have the same function that a noun, used as a subject or an object, has in a sentence. The verb in the main clause usually expresses mental activity or state and speech: croire (to believe), conseiller (to advise), noter (to notice), etc.
Il
est bien connu que le meilleur vin est produit en
France.
(It is a well known fact that the best wine is produced in
France.)
Noun clauses must be linked to the main clause with que (that) and take the indicative if they express a real and certain situation, or the subjunctive if they express an unreal, uncertain or possible condition:
Indicative:
Je sais que le meilleur vin est produit en
France.
(I know that the best wine is produced in France.)
Subjunctive:
Je pense que le meilleur vin soit produit en
France.
(I think that the best wine is produced in France.)
When taking the conditional, a noun phrase can also point to something that is likely to happen in the future.
Je pense que tu
devrais faire la vaisselle.
(I think you ought to do the dishes.)
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