French Subjunctive: A Complete Guide
The French subjunctive is a grammatical mood that often challenges language learners.
This guide will help you understand when to use the subjunctive with over 275 French verbs, expressions, and conjunctions.
What is the French Subjunctive?
The subjunctive is a verb mood used to express doubt, emotion, possibility, judgment, or necessity. It's distinct from the indicative mood, which is used for stating facts or certainties.
When to Use the Subjunctive
The subjunctive is typically used in dependent clauses following certain main clauses. Here are some key categories:
Expressions of Doubt or Possibility
- Il est possible que (It's possible that)
- Il se peut que (It may be that)
- Il est probable que (It's likely that)
Expressions of Necessity or Obligation
- Il faut que (It's necessary that)
- Il est nécessaire que (It's necessary that)
- Il est important que (It's important that)
Expressions of Emotion or Judgment
- Je suis content(e) que (I'm happy that)
- Il est dommage que (It's a shame that)
- Il est bizarre que (It's strange that)
Conjunctions
- Bien que (Although)
- Avant que (Before)
- Pour que (So that)
Common Verbs and Expressions Followed by the Subjunctive
Let's explore some frequently used verbs and expressions that require the subjunctive:
Verbs of Wishing and Wanting
- Vouloir (to want)
- Souhaiter (to wish)
- Désirer (to desire)
Example: Je veux que tu viennes. (I want you to come.)
Verbs of Emotion
- Craindre (to fear)
- Être surpris(e) (to be surprised)
- Regretter (to regret)
Example: Je crains qu'il ne soit trop tard. (I fear it might be too late.)
Verbs of Doubt
- Douter (to doubt)
- Ne pas croire (to not believe)
- Ne pas penser (to not think)
Example: Je doute qu'il réussisse. (I doubt he will succeed.)
Exceptions and Tricky Cases
Verbs That Change Meaning
Some verbs change meaning depending on whether they're followed by the subjunctive or indicative:
- Penser (to think)
- Je pense qu'il est là. (I think he's there.) - Indicative
- Je ne pense pas qu'il soit là. (I don't think he's there.) - Subjunctive
After Certain Conjunctions
Some conjunctions can be followed by either the subjunctive or indicative, depending on the intended meaning:
- Après que (after)
- Après qu'il est parti... (After he left...) - Indicative
- Après qu'il soit parti... (After he had left...) - Subjunctive (less common)
Practice Exercises
To help you master the subjunctive, try these exercises:
-
Fill in the blanks with the correct form of the verb in parentheses:
- Il faut que tu (aller) _____ au marché.
- Je suis content que vous (pouvoir) _____ venir.
-
Choose between subjunctive and indicative:
- Je pense qu'il (est/soit) _____ malade.
- Je ne pense pas qu'il (est/soit) _____ malade.
Conclusion
The French subjunctive is a complex but essential part of the language.
With practice and exposure, you'll become more comfortable using it in your French conversations and writing.