When Should I Use the Subjunctive Mood in French?

A common question among French learners is: When should I use the subjunctive mood in French? The subjunctive is a unique verb form that expresses doubt, uncertainty, wishes, emotions, or hypothetical situations. Let’s explore when to use the subjunctive with examples!

1. Wishes and Desires

The subjunctive is often used to express wishes or desires, typically introduced by verbs like vouloir (to want), souhaiter (to wish), and préférer (to prefer).

• Example:
  • Je souhaite qu’il vienne.
    (I wish that he would come.)

2. Emotions and Feelings

When expressing emotions or feelings about someone else’s actions, the subjunctive is required. This includes verbs like être heureux que (to be happy that), avoir peur que (to be afraid that), and être triste que (to be sad that).

• Example:
  • Je suis content que tu sois là.
    (I am happy that you are here.)

3. Doubt and Uncertainty

The subjunctive is used to express doubt or uncertainty about an action. Common verbs include douter que (to doubt that), il est possible que (it is possible that), and il est douteux que (it is doubtful that).

• Example:
  • Je doute qu’il ait fini son travail.
    (I doubt that he has finished his work.)

4. Necessity and Obligation

The subjunctive is also used when expressing necessity or obligation, often with phrases like il faut que (it is necessary that) or il est important que (it is important that).

• Example:
  • Il faut que tu étudies pour l’examen.
    (It is necessary that you study for the exam.)

5. Conjunctions That Trigger the Subjunctive

Certain conjunctions also trigger the use of the subjunctive. These include:

• Bien que (although)
• Pour que (so that)
• Avant que (before)
• Jusqu’à ce que (until)
• Example:
  • Bien qu’il fasse froid, nous allons sortir.
    (Although it is cold, we are going out.)

6. Hypothetical Situations

The subjunctive can express hypothetical situations that are contrary to fact or unlikely to happen. This often involves the verb si (if).

• Example:
  • Si j’étais riche, je voyagerais autour du monde.
    (If I were rich, I would travel around the world.)

Quick Tip:

To remember when to use the subjunctive, consider these triggers:

• Wishes: Expressing desires (Je veux que…).
• Emotions: Feelings about actions (Je suis triste que…).
• Doubt: Uncertainty (Je doute que…).
• Necessity: Obligation (Il faut que…).
• Conjunctions: Specific phrases (Bien que, Avant que).