Le fait que

The Subjunctivisor!

Does le fait que require the subjunctive?

The subjunctive after le fait que is optional: it depends on what you mean.

When you’re talking about an actual fact, you do not need the subjunctive.

Par exemple…

Le fait que Michel est à Paris…
The fact that Michel is in Paris…
(You know for a fact that he’s in Paris)

However, when you’re talking about a supposition, you do need the subjunctive:

Par exemple…

Le fait que tous ses amis soient au courant…
The fact that all his friends know…
(You’re supposing that all his friends know, but you don’t know this for a fact)

The Subjunctivisor!  |  Subjunctive lesson