1 of 12 © Boardworks Ltd 2006

The subjunctive mood

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Introduction to the subjunctive 1

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Introduction to the subjunctive 2

The subjunctive mood is used to express actions which are subjective.

The subjunctive mood is used to express actions which are subjective.

In my book it talks about the subjunctive mood. What on earth is that?

In my book it talks about the subjunctive mood. What on earth is that?

So when do you use it?So when do you use it?

We have it in English as well. For example:‘I wish that she were here right now.’ Notice she were is used instead of she was. This verb is in the subjunctive mood.

We have it in English as well. For example:‘I wish that she were here right now.’ Notice she were is used instead of she was. This verb is in the subjunctive mood.

The subjunctive is generally found in dependent clauses introduced by que or qui. I’ll show you what I mean…

The subjunctive is generally found in dependent clauses introduced by que or qui. I’ll show you what I mean…

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Constructions which require the subjunctive 1

The subjunctive is used after verbs/ expressions of will which express an order, a need, a piece of advice, or a want such as:

demander que – to ask (someone to do something)

vouloir que – to want that

il est important que – it is important that

il est nécessaire que – it is necessary that

il faut que – it is necessary that

il vaut mieux que – it is better that

E.g. Je suis en retard, il faut que je partes. –I’m late, it’s necessary that I leave.

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Constructions which require the subjunctive 2

The subjunctive is used after verbs/expressions of emotion or feeling which indicate fear, happiness, anger or regret such as:

E.g. Je suis content qu’il fasse beau. –I’m happy that the weather is good.

avoir peur que – to be afraid that

craindre que – to fear that

être content que – to be happy that

il est dommage que – it is too bad that

regretter que – to regret that

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Constructions which require the subjunctive 3

The subjunctive is used after verbs/expressions of doubt, possibility, and opinion such as:

E.g. Il est douteux que tu arrives à l'heure. – It is doutful that you will arrive on time.

douter que – to doubt

il est possible que – it is possible that

il est peu probable que – it is improbable that

il semble que – it seems that

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Constructions which require the subjunctive 4

The subjunctive is after used the following conjunctions:

E.g. Anne étudie beaucoup bien qu’elle ait très envie de partir en vacances. – Anne studies a lot although she would like to be on holiday.

à condition que – provided that

afin que – so that

avant que – before

bien que – although

pour que – so that

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Forming the subjunctive 1

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Forming the subjunctive 2

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Irregular verbs in the subjunctive 1

aller faire pouvoir savoir vouloir

je (j') aille fasse puisse sache veuille

tu ailles fasses puisses saches veuilles

il/elle/on aille fasse puisse sache veuille

nous allions fassions puissions sachions voulions

vous alliez fassiez puissiez sachiez vouliez

ils/elles aillent fassent puissent sachent veuillent

Unfortunately, some verbs have irregular stems.

Unfortunately, some verbs have irregular stems.

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Irregular verbs in the subjunctive 2

avoir être

je (j') aie sois

tu aies sois

il/elle/on ait soit

nous ayons soyons

vous ayez soyez

ils/elles aient soient

The verbs avoir & être have irregular stems & irregular endings.

The verbs avoir & être have irregular stems & irregular endings.

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Irregular verbs in the subjunctive 3