De sorte que

The Subjunctivisor!

Does de sorte que require the subjunctive?

De sorte que may require the subjunctive, depending on whether the outcome that follows has been achieved.

• When de sorte que indicates that something has occurred, it’s followed by the indicative
• When de sorte que introduces a goal or possibility, it needs the subjunctive

Par exemple…

Je l’ai expliqué de sorte que tu peux comprendre.
I explained it so that you can (and do) understand.

Je l’explique de sorte que tu puisses comprendre.
I’m explaining it so that you can (I hope) understand.

The Subjunctivisor!  |  Subjunctive lesson