French Subjunctive Conjugations: A Simple Guide

While knowing when to use the French subjunctive can be challenging, the good news is that conjugating verbs in this mood is relatively straightforward.

This guide will walk you through the process, covering both regular and irregular verbs.

The Basic Pattern for Regular Verbs

Most regular -er, -ir, and -re verbs follow a simple three-step pattern:

1. Begin with the present tense 'ils' form of the verb
2. Remove the -ent ending to find the subjunctive stem
3. Add the appropriate subjunctive ending

Subjunctive Endings

• que je/j' -e
• que tu -es
• qu'il/elle -e
• que nous -ions
• que vous -iez
• qu'ils/elles -ent

Examples of Regular Subjunctive Conjugations

Let's look at how this pattern applies to some common verbs:

Aimer (to like/love)

• ils aiment (present tense)
• aim- (stem)
• que j'aime, que tu aimes, qu'il aime, que nous aimions, que vous aimiez, qu'ils aiment

Finir (to finish)

• ils finissent (present tense)
• finiss- (stem)
• que je finisse, que tu finisses, qu'il finisse, que nous finissions, que vous finissiez, qu'ils finissent

Vendre (to sell)

• ils vendent (present tense)
• vend- (stem)
• que je vende, que tu vendes, qu'il vende, que nous vendions, que vous vendiez, qu'ils vendent

Irregular Verbs in the Subjunctive

Many irregular verbs also follow this pattern, including:

• Irregular -ir verbs conjugated like 'partir' (to leave) and 'couvrir' (to cover)
• Irregular -re verbs conjugated like 'mettre' (to put)

Examples of Irregular Subjunctive Conjugations

Partir (to leave)

• ils partent (present tense)
• part- (stem)
• que je parte, que tu partes, qu'il parte, que nous partions, que vous partiez, qu'ils partent

Mettre (to put)

• ils mettent (present tense)
• mett- (stem)
• que je mette, que tu mettes, qu'il mette, que nous mettions, que vous mettiez, qu'ils mettent

Helpful Tips

• For -er verbs, the singular and third person plural subjunctive forms are identical to their indicative counterparts. This makes these verbs a safe choice when you're unsure whether to use the subjunctive.

• Some irregular verbs have unique subjunctive conjugations that don't follow this pattern. It's important to learn these separately.

• Practice is key! Try conjugating different verbs in the subjunctive to reinforce the pattern.

Conclusion

Mastering French subjunctive conjugations takes time, but with this simple pattern, you'll be well on your way.

Remember to start with the 'ils' form, find the stem, and add the appropriate endings.

With regular practice, you'll find yourself using the subjunctive with confidence in no time.

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