7.3.1

Regular Verbs (1/2)

Test yourself

Regular ER Verbs in the Present Subjunctive

To form the present subjunctive you take the 'ils' form of the present tense, take off the 'ent' and add the subjunctive endings. Here is the example with 'manger' (to eat):

Illustrative background for FormationIllustrative background for Formation ?? "content

Formation

  • 1) Take the present tense 'ils' form.
    • Mangent
  • 2) Remove the ending.
    • Mangent → mang
  • 3) Add subjunctive endings.
Illustrative background for Endings: je, tu, il/elle/on, nousIllustrative background for Endings: je, tu, il/elle/on, nous ?? "content

Endings: je, tu, il/elle/on, nous

  • Que je mange - I eat
  • Que tu manges - you eat (singular)
  • Qu'il/elle/on mange - he/she/one eats
  • Que nous mangions - we eat
Illustrative background for Endings: vousIllustrative background for Endings: vous ?? "content

Endings: vous

  • Que vous mangiez - you eat
  • 'Vous' means:
    • You (plural).
    • You (singular, formal).
Illustrative background for Endings: ils/ellesIllustrative background for Endings: ils/elles ?? "content

Endings: ils/elles

  • Qu'ils/elles mangent - they eat

Present Subjunctive IR Verbs

The process for forming the present subjunctive with IR verbs is shown below using 'finir' (to finish):

Illustrative background for 2) Remove the endingIllustrative background for 2) Remove the ending ?? "content

2) Remove the ending

  • Finissent → finiss
Illustrative background for 3) Add subjunctive endingsIllustrative background for 3) Add subjunctive endings ?? "content

3) Add subjunctive endings

  • Que je finisse - I finish.
  • Que tu finisses - you (singular) finish.
  • Qu'il/elle/on finisse - he/she/one finish.
  • Que nous finissions - we finish.
  • Que vous finissiez - you (plural/formal) finish.
  • Qu'ils/elles finissent - they finish.

Jump to other topics

1Home & Abroad

2Education & Employment

3Personal Life & Relationships

4The World Around Us

5Social Activities, Fitness & Health

6Common Tenses

7Advanced Tenses

8Extra Grammar

Unlock your full potential with Seneca Premium

  • Unlimited access to 10,000+ open-ended exam questions

  • Mini-mock exams based on your study history

  • Unlock 800+ premium courses & e-books

Get started with Seneca Premium