Le Subjonctif
The subjonctif is a French mood (or mode) which expresses the speaker's opinion, desire, emotion, or
uncertainty. The subjonctif will always be used in a sentence that has a dependent and an independent
clause connected by <<que>>
➢ In the subjonctif, there are only eight verbs with irregular conjugations: faire, aller, pouvoir, être,
savoir, vouloir, avoir.
F = faire
A = aller
P = pouvoir
E = être
S = savoir
V = vouloir
A = avoir
➢ The first set of six verbs have irregular stems but follow the same endings as the regularly
conjugated verbs (e, es, e, ons, ions, iez, ent).
➢ The remaining two verbs, avoir and être are completely and absolutely irregular.
➢ In subjonctif will not be used every time if there is a que in the middle of a sentences, there are
certain expressions related to certain emotions being expressed that will indicate that you must use
the subjonctif. Here are a few examples of these trigger expressions that must be in the dependent
clause:
avant que: before
bien que: although
jusqu'à ce que: until
pour que: so that
quoique: although
sans que: without
il faut que: it is necessary that
il est nécessaire que: it is necessary that
vouloir que: want that
Sentiments expressed by the subjonctif
The subjonctif is used to express feelings of the speaker. The expressions that require use of the
subjunctive are wants/wishes, emotion, impersonal expressions,
requests/recommendations/requirements, doubts/demands/denials, and opinions.
WEIRDO
W = Wish / want
E = Emotion
I = Impersonal expressions
R = Request / require / recommend
D = Doubt / demand / deny
O = Opinions
1. WISH / WANT
vouloir que + subjonctif
Ex-
(i) Je veux que tu fasses les devoirs.
(ii) Le prof voudrais que tu finisses le projet.
(iii) Elles voudront que tu arrives à l'heure.
souhaiter que + subjonctif
Ex-
(i) Je souhaite qu'il vienne à la soirée.
(ii) Vous souhaitez qu'elle soit gentille.
désirer que + subjonctif
Ex –
(i) Les profs désirent que les enfants soient silencieux.
(ii) Le garçon désire que Papa Noël vienne.
(iii) La mère désirait que son fils fasse le ménage.
2. EMOTION
3. IMPERSONAL EXPRESSIONS
Impersonal expressions are phrases that do not have an actual subject and will most often begin
with il est or c'est; the two are interchangeable but c'est is less formal. Impersonal expressions
followed by que will use the subjunctive, otherwise they will use the infinitive.
(i) Ex: Subjonctif: Il faut que le garçon soit gentil. > It is important that the boy be kind.
(ii) Ex: Indicatif: Il faut être gentil. > It is important to be nice.
4. REGRET / RECOMMENDATIONS / REQUIREMENTS
5. DOUBT / OPINION
