Subjonctif Part I: Usage
CONTENT
Usage of the Subjonctif
Rule 1: The subjunctif is not a tense, but a grammatical mood that is very common in French. It is used to indicate the subjectivity of a sentence and it usually automatically follows certain verbs and phrases starting with "que" that express a certain opinion of the speaker.
Native
Translation
J'aimerais que tu viennes.
I would like you to come.
Rule 2: Subjonctif exists in two tenses: present and past. The past tense of the subjunctif is used when the verb in the main clause is in the past or if the action in the subjunctive clause happened before the action in the main clause.
Native
Translation
C'était important pour moi qu'il ait pu rentrer à la maison.
It was important to me that he could come home.
Conjunctions With Que and the Subjonctif
Rule 3: Certain conjunctions with que are also followed by the subjonctif.
Native
Translation
Louis a acheté un téléphone sans que sa mère le sache.
Louis bought a phone without his mother knowing.
Here are several conjunctions with que you might want to memorize:
| pour que | in order that |
| sans que | without that |
| jusqu'à ce que | until |
| de sorte que | so that |
| bien que | although |
| avant que | before |
Note: Be careful, not all conjunctions with que are followed by the subjonctif - they can be used in the indicatif mood.
Subjonctif with Être + Adjective
Rule 4: The subjonctif also follows after expressions with être + adjective that express feelings and opinions, such as the following:
| Être déçu que | Be disappointed that |
| Être désolé que | Be sorry that |
| Être surpris que | Be surprised that |
| Être content que | Be happy that |
| Être triste que | Be sad that |
Native
Translation
Je suis contente que le cours soit terminé.
I'm happy that the lessons are over.
Subjonctif with Interdictions or Demands
Rule 5: In subordinate clauses, the subjonctif is used with verbs that express interdictions or demands, such as the following:
| Interdire que | To forbid |
| Exiger que | To demand |
| Ordonner que | To order |
| Permettre que | To permit |
Native
Translation
J'interdis qu'elle vienne.
I forbid that she comes.
Be careful, décider que (to hope) is not followed by the subjonctif, but often by futur simple.
Subjonctif with Wishes and Desires
Rule 6: In subordinate clauses, the subjonctif is used with verbs that express wishes or desires. Here is a list of the most common verbs:
| Vouloir que | To want |
| Aimer que | To like |
| Attendre que | To expect |
| Avoir envie que | To feel like doing something |
| Demander que | To demand |
| Souhaiter que | To wish |
| Préférer que | To prefer |
Native
Translation
Je veux que tu ailles à l’école.
I want you to go to school.
Be careful, espérer que (to hope) is not followed by the subjonctif, but often by futur simple.
Subjonctif with Unpersonal Expression
Rule 7: The subjonctif is also used after general expressions, such as the following:
| Il faut que | It's required that |
| Il est temps que | It's time that |
| Il est possible que | It's possible that |
| Il est nécessaire que | It's necessary that |
| Il est important que | It's important that |
| Il est dommage que | It's a pity that |
Native
Translation
Il est important qu'on apprenne le subjonctif.
It's important that we learn the subjonctif.
Exception: Please note that the subjonctif isn't used after all general expressions with "que".
Native
Translation
Il est vrai que Claire ne viendra pas.
It's true that Claire won't come.
Hint: The regular form of the verb is used if an event is almost certain. The subjonctif is used, if something is only possible.
Quiz
1/4
Je m'attends à ce que vous ___ vos devoirs la prochaine fois.
0
correct answers.