montrer at B2 — the subjunctive
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Reflexive, it means to prove yourself.
Se montrer + adjective
Se montrer + adjective means to prove or show oneself to be: « il s’est montré très patient » — he proved very patient. It is a favourite of written French and of anyone writing a reference or an appraisal.
Montrer que takes the indicative because it asserts evidence: « l’étude montre que c’est efficace ». Unlike verbs of opinion, showing is not doubt, so no subjunctive — a useful contrast with sembler.
💡 Focus at this level: se montrer & montrer que
👨🏫 How to use « montrer » at this level
1. « Se montrer » + adjective = to prove to be.
2. « Montrer que » keeps the indicative. Evidence is not doubt.
3. Contrast with « sembler que ». One asserts, one hedges.
Il s’est montré très patient.He proved very patient.
L’étude montre que c’est efficace.The study shows that it’s effective.
Elle s’est montrée à la hauteur.She proved equal to the task.
Il faut que tu me montres.You need to show me.
🎮 Practise « montrer »
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