Subjonctif Part I: Usage

Usage of the Subjonctif

Rule 1: The subjunctif is not a tense, but a grammatical mood that is very common in French. It is used to indicate the subjectivity of a sentence and it usually automatically follows certain verbs and phrases starting with "que" that express a certain opinion of the speaker.

Rule 2: Subjonctif exists in two tenses: present and past. The past tense of the subjunctif is used when the verb in the main clause is in the past or if the action in the subjunctive clause happened before the action in the main clause.

Conjunctions With Que and the Subjonctif

Rule 3: Certain conjunctions with que are also followed by the subjonctif.

Here are several conjunctions with que you might want to memorize:

Note: Be careful, not all conjunctions with que are followed by the subjonctif - they can be used in the indicatif mood.

Subjonctif with Être + Adjective

Rule 4: The subjonctif also follows after expressions with être + adjective that express feelings and opinions, such as the following:

Subjonctif with Interdictions or Demands

Rule 5: In subordinate clauses, the subjonctif is used with verbs that express interdictions or demands, such as the following:

Be careful, décider que (to hope) is not followed by the subjonctif, but often by futur simple.

Subjonctif with Wishes and Desires

Rule 6: In subordinate clauses, the subjonctif is used with verbs that express wishes or desires. Here is a list of the most common verbs:

Be careful, espérer que (to hope) is not followed by the subjonctif, but often by futur simple.

Subjonctif with Unpersonal Expression

Rule 7: The subjonctif is also used after general expressions, such as the following:

Exception: Please note that the subjonctif isn't used after all general expressions with "que".

Hint: The regular form of the verb is used if an event is almost certain. The subjonctif is used, if something is only possible.