French expressions & patterns
permettre de vs. permettre que: how to choose
Three useful constructions coexist: permettre de + infinitif when the actor is understood; permettre à + person + de + infinitif when a distinct actor is named; permettre que + subjonctif for a full clause, often in more formal or impersonal wording.
The decision: Actor understood? -> permettre de + infinitif. Need to name who can act? -> usually permettre à + person + de + infinitif. Need a full clause or an impersonal/formal structure? -> permettre que + subjonctif is possible.
The choices at a glance
| Choose | When to use it | Pattern and example |
|---|---|---|
| permettre de | No new, specific subject is introduced - only an action becomes possible. | Le télétravail quatre jours par semaine permettrait de réduire le temps de transport. |
| permettre que | A separate actor must be named; standard French usually prefers permettre à + person + de + infinitive. Permettre que + subjonctif is possible, especially in more formal or impersonal wording. | Cette mesure permettrait aux salariés d'organiser eux-mêmes leur emploi du temps. |
Compare the meaning
Cela permettrait de réduire les coûts.
Cela permettrait aux employés de réduire leurs déplacements.
Practise this decision in FKE
The interactive comparison includes decision practice and links to the related FKE knowledge tools.
Open permettre de vs. permettre que in FKE