The French subjunctive is one of those tenses that makes learners groan. It’s not that it’s inherently difficult - it’s just different. Unlike the indicative, which states facts, the subjunctive expresses doubt, emotion, necessity, or uncertainty. If you’ve ever wondered why French speakers say 'il faut que tu sois' instead of 'il faut que tu es', this guide will clear things up.
What Is the Subjunctive?
The subjunctive is a mood, not a tense. It’s used to convey subjectivity - things that aren’t necessarily real or certain. Think of it as the grammatical equivalent of raising an eyebrow.
Subjonctif
/syb.ʒɔ̃k.tif/“Subjunctive”
When to Use the Subjunctive
- After expressions of doubt or uncertainty (e.g., 'je doute que', 'il est possible que').
- With emotions or wishes (e.g., 'je suis content que', 'je veux que').
- Following certain conjunctions (e.g., 'bien que', 'pour que').
- In impersonal expressions (e.g., 'il est important que', 'il faut que').
How to Form the Subjunctive
For regular verbs, take the third-person plural (ils/elles) form of the present tense, drop the -ent, and add these endings:
| Subject | Ending |
|---|---|
| je | -e |
| tu | -es |
| il/elle/on | -e |
| nous | -ions |
| vous | -iez |
| ils/elles | -ent |
For example, 'parler' becomes 'que je parle', 'que tu parles', etc. Irregular verbs, of course, have their own quirks.
Common Irregular Subjunctive Verbs
| Verb | Subjunctive Form (je) |
|---|---|
| être | que je sois |
| avoir | que j'aie |
| aller | que j'aille |
| faire | que je fasse |
Examples in Context
- 'Il faut que tu fasses tes devoirs.' (You must do your homework.)
- 'Je suis heureux que tu sois ici.' (I’m happy that you’re here.)
- 'Bien qu’il pleuve, nous sortons.' (Even though it’s raining, we’re going out.)
Notice how the subjunctive often follows 'que'. If you’re unsure whether to use it, ask yourself: is the statement a fact, or is it subjective?
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using the indicative after 'bien que' (always use the subjunctive).
- Forgetting irregular forms (e.g., 'que je vais' instead of 'que j'aille').
- Overusing the subjunctive - it’s not needed for factual statements.
If you’re struggling, try reading French literature or watching films - native speakers use the subjunctive constantly, and exposure helps. For more on conversational French, check out our guide on The Art of French Compliments.
