A Lesson on When to Use the Subjunctive With 'Il Paraît Que'

The French expression il paraît que means "it seems that" and it may require the subjunctive, depending on whether it is used affirmatively, negatively or interrogatively. When used affirmatively, il paraît que does not need the subjunctive.

Example

Il paraît qu'il le fait.
It seems that he does it.

But when using il paraît que to express doubt or uncertainty, use the subjunctive.

Examples

Il ne paraît pas qu'il le fasse.
It doesn't seem that he does it (he doesn't seem to do it).

Paraît-il qu'il le fasse ?
Does he seem to do it?