Using the Present and Past Subjunctive Correctly

The subjunctive is a mood in French. It is often used to express uncertainty, doubt, emotion, wishes, or an obligation.

The subjunctive has four tenses, but the most commonly used are the present subjunctive and the past subjunctive. The other tenses, the imperfect subjunctive and the pluperfect subjunctive, are rare in spoken language and are found mainly in literature.

The basic structure of the subjunctive

The subjunctive is generally introduced by the subordinating conjunction que. The structure is often as follows:

que + subject + verb in the subjunctive

For example: je souhaite que tu sois présent.

It is important to note that the presence of "que" does not always mean the verb that follows is in the subjunctive. For example, after the verb "penser" expressing certainty, we use the indicative: je pense que tu es capable de réussir.

When to use the subjunctive

We use the subjunctive after verbs or expressions that convey:

• A wish: j'aimerais que vous compreniez l'utilisation du subjonctif.
• A will: je veux que mes parents soient fiers de moi.
• An obligation: il faut que tu viennes.
• An order: j'exige que vous parliez français.
• An emotion: je suis heureuse qu'il fasse beau.
• An opinion in the negative form: je ne pense pas que le français soit difficile.
• A doubt: je doute qu'il ait réussi son examen.
• A possibility: il se peut qu'il pleuve.
• A necessity: il est nécessaire que tu prennes de l'argent.

These verbs and expressions are among the most common that require the subjunctive in French.

The rule of two subjects

To use the subjunctive, there must be two different subjects in the sentence. If the subject is the same for both parts of the sentence, we use the infinitive.

Consider these examples:

• One subject: je regrette d'être là. Here, the subject "je" (I) regrets. "Être" is in the infinitive.
• Two different subjects: je regrette qu'il soit là. Here, the subject "je" (I) regrets, and the subject "il" (he) is there. "Être" is in the subjunctive.

The subjunctive after certain conjunctions

The subjunctive is also used after certain conjunctions that express purpose, condition, anteriority, or concession, among others.

Here are some examples:

• Concession: bien qu'il soit âgé, il est très actif.
• Anterority: je ne partirai pas avant que tu me dises la vérité.

Subjunctive and indicative: subjectivity versus objectivity

The indicative is the mood of certainty and objectivity. The subjunctive is the mood of uncertainty and subjectivity.

• With certainty (indicative): je suis sûr qu'il est content de son cadeau.
• With uncertainty (subjunctive): je ne suis pas certaine qu'il soit content de son cadeau.

Placing actions in time with the subjunctive

The tense of the main clause does not matter for the use of the subjunctive in the subordinate clause. What matters is placing the action of the subordinate clause in relation to the action of the main clause.

• The present subjunctive expresses simultaneity (the actions happen at the same time) or posteriority (the action of the subordinate clause happens after the action of the main clause). Example of posteriority: Paul a demandé que Marie achète du pain. The action of buying happens after Paul's request.

• The past subjunctive expresses anteriority (the action of the subordinate clause happens before the action of the main clause). Example of anteriority: Paul est triste que Julie soit partie. The action of having left happens before Paul's sadness.

The subjunctive is an important element of French grammar that allows for more nuanced expression.