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Subjonctif présent - with 'pouvoir'

38F

Subjonctif présent – with pouvoir

A)   When the introduction to the Subjonctif présent is in a present time frame:

Present time-frame introduction + que  +  Sujet  +  "pouvoir"(Subjonctif présent)  +  verbe principal (Infinitif)

Present time-frame introduction + que  +  Sujet  +  (puisse,  puisses,  puisse,  puissions,  puissiez,  puissent)  +  verbe principal (Infinitif)

B)   When the introduction to the Subjonctif présent is in a past time frame:

[Past time-frame introduction]  +  que  +  Sujet  +  "pouvoir"(Subjonctif présent)  +  verbe principal (Infinitif)

[Past time-frame introduction]  +  que  +  Sujet  +  (puisse,  puisses,  puisse,  puissions,  puissiez,  puissent)  +  verbe principal (Infinitif)

38F

Examples:

A) Present time-frame introduction (When the introduction to the Subjonctif présent is in a present time frame):

 

Example 1 (masculin / féminin singulier)

 

Je suis (present time frame) impressionné qu'il (elle) puisse composer la chanson!

I am (present time frame) impressed that he (she) can compose the song. (ability)

I am (present time frame) impressed that he (she) is able to compose the song.

I am (present time frame) impressed that he (she) may compose the song. (permission)

 

B) Past time-frame introduction (When the introduction to the Subjonctif présent is in a past time frame):

 

Example 2 (masculin / féminin singulier)

 

J'étais (past time frame) impressionné qu'il (elle) puisse composer des chansons!

I was (past time frame) impressed that he (she) could compose songs. (past state of ability)

I was (past time frame) impressed that he (she) could compose songs ... (routinely, at some time in the past)

 

I was (past time frame) impressed that he (she) used to be able to compose songs ... (routinely, at some time in the past)

 

I was (past time frame) impressed that he (she) was able to compose songs. (past state of ability)

I was (past time frame) impressed that he (she) was able to compose songs ... (routinely, at some time in the past)

I was (past time frame) impressed that he (she) would be able to compose songs ... (routinely, at some time in the past)