5.3.6

Present Subjunctive - Using the Subjunctive

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Using the Subjunctive

In French, you need to use the subjunctive after phrases that show desire, doubt, emotions and some conjunctions.

Illustrative background for Expressing desireIllustrative background for Expressing desire ?? "content

Expressing desire

  • When a phrase is expressing someone's desire or will, in French you need to use the subjunctive.
  • Here are some common phrases:
    • Aimer mieux que - to prefer that.
    • Demander que - to ask that.
    • Il est important que - it is important that.
    • Il est nécessaire que - it is necesary that.
    • Il est essentiel que - it is essential that.
    • Il faut que - it is necessary that.
    • Vouloir que - to want to.
Illustrative background for Expressing emotions and feelingsIllustrative background for Expressing emotions and feelings ?? "content

Expressing emotions and feelings

  • Verbs that express emotions or feelings need the subjunctive.
  • Here are a few examples of set phrases:
    • Avoir peur que - to be scared that.
    • Aimer que - to like that.
    • Adorer que - to love that.
    • Il est bon que - it is good that.
    • Il est triste que - it is sad that.
    • Il est heureux que - it is fortunate that.
Illustrative background for Expressing doubtIllustrative background for Expressing doubt ?? "content

Expressing doubt

  • Verbs that express doubt and opinion need to use the subjunctive.
    • Douter que - to doubt that.
    • Ne penser pas que - to not think that.
    • Il est impossible que - it is impossible that.
    • Il semble que - it seems that.
    • Il n'est pas clair que - it is not clear that.
    • Il n'est pas évident que - it is not evident that.
Illustrative background for ConjunctionsIllustrative background for Conjunctions ?? "content

Conjunctions

  • Some phrases in French that use conjunctions need to use the subjunctive.
    • À moins que - unless.
    • Afin que - so that.
    • Bien que - although.
    • Pour que - so that.
    • Encore que - even though.

Jump to other topics

1Identity & Culture

2Areas of Interest

3Study & Employment

4Common Tenses

4.1Present Tense

4.2Perfect Tense

4.3Imperfect Tense

4.4Imperfect vs Perfect

4.5Future Tense

5Advanced Tenses

6Extra Grammar

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