Introduction to the subjunctive

What is the subjunctive?

The subjunctive is a mood that expresses __doubt__ or __emotion__. Sentences that use
the subjunctive are always __compound__ sentences: they have two clauses (a clause must
contain a subject and a verb).

Think of a subjunctive sentence as a wedding!

signal clause subjunctive claus

1.
que (the ring)

In this picture, the "signal clause" is getting married to the "subjunctive clause." The
wedding band, "que," is a conjunction that joins the two clauses to make the subjunctive
sentence.

What is a signal clause?

A signal clause is an expression followed by the word "que" which requires a verb in the
subjunctive in the clause that follows it.

What are the characteristics of a signal clause?

Signal clauses can express:
 uncertainty
 doubt
 emotion
 wishes

 conjecture/supposition
condition unreal or contrary to fac
2. t
Some popular signal clauses:
II faut que = _It’s necessary that…_ II vaut mieux que = __It’s better that…_
II est possible que = _It’s possible that…_ Je veux que = I want that…
Je doute que = _I doubt that…_ Il est nécessaire que = It’s necessary that…

How is the subjunctive formed?

For all regular verbs, start with the "ils" form in the present tense.
parler = ils parlent finir = ils finissent rendre = ils rendent
drop the "-ent" (parlent and add the subjunctive endings:

je: -e nous: -ions

tu: -es vous: -iez
iIIelle/on: -e ils/elles: -ent

Sample: parler (to talk)

3. "ils" form = ils parlent

nous parlions
vous parliez
ils/elles parlent
4. drop the "-ent" (parlent; subjunctive stem is parl-
5. conjugation
je parle
tu parIes
illelle/on parle

ENTENDRE (to hear) STEM = entend-

... que j' entende que nous entendions

... que tu entendes que vous entendiez

... qu'il entende qu'ils entendent
... qu'elle entende qu'elles entendent

It is better that she hears my voice = Il vaut mieux qu’elle entende ma voix
Let’s try one together!

FINIR (to finish) STEM = finiss-

... que je finisse ... que nous finissions
... que tu finisses ... que vous finissiez
... qu'il finisse ... qu'ils finissent
... qu'elles finissent
... qu'elle finisse

It is better that she finishes her homework = Il vaut mieux qu’elle finisse ses devoirs

Partnered Practice

1. It is necessary that we listen. Il faut (Il est nécessaire) que nous écoutions.

2. It is better that I speak French . Il vaut mieux que je parle français.

3. I doubt that one waits. Je doute qu’on attende.

4. It is possible that they gain weight. Il est possible qu’ils grossissent.

5. It is necessary that he succeed. Il faut (Il est nécessaire) qu’il réussisse.

6. He wants that you (pI.) lose the game. Il veut que vous perdiez le match.

Soon you will also learn about:

• Irregular verbs

• More signal clauses

• Other uses of the subjunctive

 Write the correct form in the subjunctive.

1. obeir (tu) 10. vendre (nous)

2
reflechir (il) 11. regarder (vous)
.

3. penser (no us) 12. reagir (elle)

4. repondre (je) 13. trouver (je)

5. rever (elles) 14. danser (tu)

6. travailler (vous) 15. maigrir (il)

7. donner (tu) 16. perdre (nous)

8. descendre (ils) 17. jouer (elles)

9. grandir (je) 18. reagir (vous)

Translate the following sentences into French:

1. It is necessary that he find the dog.

2. It is not better that they (f.) cheat.
3. It is necessary that you (pI.) give.
4. It is not necessary that you (s.) hate.
5. It is better that I lose weight.
6. It is necessary that she study.
7. It is better that they (m.) obey.
8. It is not necessary that you (s.) respond.
9. It is not better that I punish.
10. It is necessary that we fill the cup.