Does espérer need the subjunctive?

Espérer may require the subjunctive, depending on whether it is used affirmatively, negatively, or interrogatively:

J'espère qu'il viendra.
I hope he comes.

(Note that in the affirmative, this verb is normally followed by the future, rather than the present tense.)

Je n'espère pas qu'il vienne.
I don't hope that he's coming.

Espères-tu qu'il vienne ?
Do you hope that he's coming?

The Subjunctivator! | Quiz: Subjunctive or indicative?