Appendix I
Le Subjonctif
Detailed Discussion
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Note: This section is a complete course on the Subjonctif.
For the specific variations of the active, passive, pronominal, and semi-auxiliaries aller, devoir, pouvoir, and vouloir, see the appropriate sections here:
Subjonctif passé - Section 37
Subjonctif présent - Section 38
When to use the "Subjonctif" |
It can be argued that the Subjonctif is a linguistic phenomenon in its own right. There are a dazzling number of ways to use the French "Subjonctif", so what I've given you in the following overview is the very "heartbeat" of this powerful and frequently used verb mode.
There's nothing really difficult about FORMING the "Subjonctif" (See the appropriate sections on this site, – Subjonctif passé -Section 37 and Subjonctif présent - Section 38.
The REAL question for learners is WHEN to use it.
Francophones use it frequently without giving it a second thought. Often, they don't even realize they're using a special verb tense. Why? Because they've heard it all their lives. Using it at certain spots is just natural to them. They've simply become used to using the "Subjonctif" form of verbs after certain "trigger" words or ideas.
My goal in this Appendix is to help you get a reasonable grasp of the "ideas" behind the "Subjonctif", and of some repeatable, generic approaches (a kind of copy-and-paste technique that native speakers of French use all the time) to express these ideas. In this way, you will begin to navigate more intuitively through this entertaining verb construction.
Essentially, the "Subjonctif" form of a verb is "triggered" by certain "classes of ideas". Many of these 'idea classes' move away from "objective reality" toward a more subjective perspective or towards doubt. This will be fully illustrated in the following pages.
The Subjonctif is "triggered" by sets of "key words", which are "linked" to certain 'idea classes'. We'll look at the 'idea classes' in a moment, but for now, consider the sequence that triggers a Subjonctif:
- When a certain type of idea is expressed or certain "linking words" are used (I'll show many examples soon), the need to employ the"Subjonctif" is automatically"triggered".
- If a new subject (action-doer) and verb are introduced after the Subjonctif "trigger", that verb must be formed by the "Subjonctif" rules.
That's it. It's a good idea to read – slowly – the above formula once again.
There are two forms of the Subjonctif that are currently used the most. The next two short sections contain instructions regarding when to use each one. They are the 'Subjonctif présent' and the Subjonctif passé'.
After that, we'll explore lists of the most important and frequently used "linking-words" and "idea classes" that trigger the use of the"Subjonctif", followed by a rich set of "generic approaches" to using it with skill, art, and mastery.
Try to get a good feel for the "tools" of each section ...
More samples and exercises on the Subjonctif will be available here at verbexpress.net in the relevant sections of the site.
Subjonctif "présent" vs Subjonctif "passé" |
When to use the Subjonctif "présent"
Use the "Subjonctif présent" when the action (or state) of the "Subjonctif" verb is happening at the same time or further in the future than the time frame of the Subjonctif "trigger".
Examples:
"Je suis surpris que vous soyez (Subjonctif présent) ici!"
"I am surprised (present time frame) that you are here."
(The "being here" is happening at the same time as the "being surprised".)
"Il a suggéré que nous fassions (Subjonctif présent) le travail demain (future time frame)."
"He suggested (past time frame) that we do the work tomorrow."
(The "doing the work" happens further in the future than the than the "suggestion".)
When to use the Subjonctif "passé"
Use the "Subjonctif passé" when the action (or state) of the "Subjonctif" verb has happened earlier in time than the time frame of the Subjonctif "trigger".
Examples:
"Je suis surpris que vous n'ayez pas compris (Subjonctif passé)!"
"I am surprised (present time frame) that you haven't understood! (past time frame)." or
"I am surprised (present time frame) that you didn't understand! (past time frame)."
(The "not understanding" happened earlier in time than the "being surprised".)
When to use the Subjonctif – Tools |
"Linking-words" Which Trigger the "Subjonctif"
The use of the "Subjonctif" is triggered by "Linking-words" which express the various ideas of :
Some of the most frequently used linking-words expressing these types of ideas are presented below ...
You will notice a strange"ne" in parentheses in some of the expressions below. It is called the "ne explétif" and is sometimes used along with the Subjonctif, but adds no particular meaning to the verb. The use of this "ne" is limited to a more formal level of speaking. It is being used much less often these days in speaking.
avant que (ne) before
d'ici à ce que until
en attendant que until
jusqu'à ce que until
Example:
Elle va travailler seule jusqu'à ce que les étudiants soient (Subjonctif) là.
She is going to work alone until the students are here.
You will notice a strange"ne" in parentheses in some of the expressions below. It is called the "ne explétif" and is sometimes used along with the Subjonctif, but adds no particular meaning to the verb. The use of this "ne" is limited to a more formal level of speaking. It is being used much less often these days in speaking.
afin que in order that
de crainte que (ne) for fear that
de façon que in such a way that
de manière que in such a manner that
de sorte que so that, in such a way that
pour que in order that, so that
Example:
Il achète les livres pour qu'on puisse (Subjonctif) mieux réussir.
He's buying the books so that we are able to / can / might better succeed.
You will notice a strange"ne" in parentheses in some of the expressions below. It is called the "ne explétif" and is sometimes used along with the Subjonctif, but adds no particular meaning to the verb. The use of this "ne" is limited to a more formal level of speaking. It is being used much less often these days in speaking.
à condition que as long as, so long as
à moins que (ne) unless
pourvu que provided that
supposé que supposing that
Example:
On ira au parc à condition qu'il fasse (Subjonctif) beau.
We'll go to the park so long as it's nice out.
You will notice a strange"ne" in parentheses in some of the expressions below. It is called the "ne explétif" and is sometimes used along with the Subjonctif, but adds no particular meaning to the verb. The use of this "ne" is limited to a more formal level of speaking. It is being used much less often these days in speaking.
à moins que (ne) unless
bien que although, though
malgré que although, in spite of the fact that
non que not that
que ce soit whether it be ... or ..., be it ... or ...
sans que without
Example:
On payera demain à moins qu'on (ne) reçoive (Subjonctif) une prolongation.
We'll pay tomorrow unless we receive an extension.
"Verbal Constructions" Which Trigger the Use Of The "Subjonctif"
A truly exhaustive list of specific Subjonctif approaches using verbs is impossible because everyone expresses similar ideas in different ways. It is impossible to capture every conceivable approach being employed in everyday communication.
However, the key words (representing specific classes of ideas) are always evident. In the first section below, I've listed the idea classes which trigger the use of the Subjonctif.
In the second section below, I've included a flexible set of "generic high-frequency approaches" that native speakers of French use to express these ideas.
In the third section below, I've given you a generous list of verbs and adjectives you can simply "paste" into the generic approaches to create instant, top-quality Subjonctif phrases!
Many of these approaches will also be featured at verbexpress.net to be practised online, or downloaded for practice on paper or in speaking.
So what you want to do now is ...
- "Tune in" to (get familiar with) the classes of ideas and generic approaches you can use to express Subjonctif ideas.
- Remember that expressing those ideas triggers the use of the Subjonctif.
That's the process.
Try out the approaches, find the ones you like, and practise them. Your confidence and skill with the Subjonctif will increase in no time at all!
Idea Classes Of The 'Verbal Constructions'
Note: Each of the following Idea Classes will be presented with examples and translations further below.
B Emotions
C Doubt
H.1 – Used as a wish stated without any introductory words, or just with "que"
H.2 – Used as an Imperative stated with only the introductory word "que"
H.3 – To express doubt or uncertainty that is implied, rather than stated outright
H.4 – Used with Superlatives
H.5 – Used with the où que, que, quel(le) que, quoi que, and quoique family of indefinite qualifiers
H.6 – Used with the verb "être" alone
I A Few Curious Cases and Final Words
"Generic-Approach" Formulas Used To Express Idea Classes
IMPORTANT
To get the most out of the unique information below, please read these few words on the "formulas" section:
- The subject (grammatical 'doer' of the verb) of the verb of each formula given below will be either "Ça", "Ce", or 'Sujet 1' (to represent the subject of the first verb) and 'Sujet 2' (to represent the subject of the second verb which must be in the Subjonctif format). Sujet 1 and Sujet 2 can both be either a noun or a pronoun.
- Other elements include powerful "placeholders". These placeholders identify the kinds of words that can be "pasted in" from the powerful lists found in tables (and sub-tables) A–H below.
- The asterisk – * – following the object personal pronoun "me" ("me*") means that the verb being used can be used on any person. That person can be in "pronoun" form, in which case it will precede the verb, or in its original "noun" form, in which case it will come after the verb.
Examples: For instance, consider the following formula:
Ça "me*" + (impersonally-used verb) + que + Sujet 2 + verb (Subjonctif);
- I can use the verb "déranger" impersonally, placing it in the placeholder. This will give me:
Ça "me*" dérange que la voiture soit (Subjonctif) en panne.
It bothers me that the car is not working.
- The "me*" can be changed to other personal pronouns as well:
Ça "te, le, la, nous, vous, les" dérange que la voiture soit (Subjonctif) en panne.
It bothers you/him/her/us/you(plural)/them that the car is not working.
- Or, instead of using a pronoun in the"me*" spot, I can use a normal noun after the verb, like this:
Ça dérange mon père (noun) que la voiture soit (Subjonctif) en panne.
It bothers my father that the car is not working.
- Of course, the time frame can also be changed according to need, as in:
Ça dérangerait mon père (noun) que la voiture soit (Subjonctif) en panne.
It would bother my father that the car is not working.
Though "me, te, nous, and vous can always be used in the "me*" spot, it gets a little trickier when it comes to object personal pronouns representing the third person (singular and plural) - sometimes they need to be the "direct-object"pronouns (le, la, l', and les), and in other cases they need to be the "indirect-object" pronouns (lui or leur).
This choice changes for various verbs, and is beyond the scope of this section. However, helpful exercises on precisely this dynamic will be featured in another section here at verbexpress.net.
Now let's look at the popular verbal formulas that are frequently used along with the Subjonctif.
- For the sake of simplicity, I'll use the "me*" throughout this section, where applicable.
- All examples will be shown with a present time frame "trigger" along with the triggered verb in the Subjonctif présent.
- To see examples of the subjonctif with 'past' timeframe introductions, see the complete sections on this site:
"Generic Subjonctif Formulas" |
AS YOU BEGIN:
If at first glance a formula seems confusing, look closely at the example, then return to the formula to see how it works.
Remember that every time the word "conjugated" appears, it means that the formula will work in any time frame. Just use the tense you need!
Formula 1) |
|
Sujet 1 (person) + (être–conjugated) + (personally-used adjective) + que + Sujet 2 + verb (Subjonctif) Sujet 1 (person) (to be–conjugated) personally-used adjective that ... |
|
Example: Il est surpris que + Sujet 2 + verb (Subjonctif) ...
Il est surpris que je sache la réponse! He is surprised that I know the answer! |
Formula 2) |
|
Sujet 1 (person) + (trouver–conjugated) ça + (impersonally-used adjective) + que + Sujet 2 + verb (Subjonctif) Sujet 1 (person) (to find–conjugated) it impersonally-used adjective that ... |
|
Example: Elle trouve ça surprenant + que + Sujet 2 + verb (Subjonctif) ...
Elle trouve ça surprenant que tu puisses partir tôt. She finds it surprising that you can (are able to) leave early. |
Formula 3) |
|
Ce/C'(être–conjugated) / il (être–conjugated) + (impersonally-used adjective) + que + Sujet 2 + verb (Subjonctif) It (to be–conjugated) impersonally-used adjective that ... |
|
Example: C'est surprenant + que + Sujet 2 + verb (Subjonctif) ...
C'est surprenant qu'il soit si calme! It is surprising that he is so calm! |
Formula 4) |
|
Ce qui (être–conjugated) + (impersonally-used adjective), + c'est que + Sujet 2 + verb (Subjonctif) What (to be–conjugated) impersonally used-adjective is that ... |
|
Example: Ce qui est surprenant, + c'est que + Sujet 2 + verb (Subjonctif) ...
Ce qui est surprenant, c'est qu'elle soit si amicale! What is surprising is that she is so friendly! |
Formula 5) |
|
Ce que + Sujet 1 + (trouver–conjugated) + (impersonally-used adjective), + c'est que + Sujet 2 + verb (Subjonctif) What + Sujet 1 + (to find–conjugated) impersonally-used adjective is that ... |
|
Example: Ce que le patron trouve surprenant, + c'est que + Sujet 2 + verb (Subjonctif) ...
Ce que le patron trouve surprenant, c'est que nous soyons toujours en retard! What the boss finds surprising is that we are always late! |
Formula 6) |
|
Ça me* + (impersonally-used verb–conjugated) + que + Sujet 2 + verb (Subjonctif) It (verb–conjugated) me* that ... |
|
Example: Ça me surprend + que + Sujet 2 + verb (Subjonctif) ...
Ça me surprend que vous agissiez comme ça! It surprises me that you act like that! It surprises me that you are acting that way! |
Formula 7) |
|
Çe qui me* + (impersonally-used verb–conjugated), + c'est que + Sujet 2 + verb (Subjonctif) The thing that (verb–conjugated) me* is that ... What (verb–conjugated) me* is that ... |
|
Example: Çe qui me* surprend, c'est que + Sujet 2 + verb (Subjonctif)
Çe qui me* surprend, c'est que les candidats fassent la demande si tôt! The thing that surprises me is that the candidates are making the request so soon! What surprises me is that candidates are making the request so soon! |
Formula 8) |
|
Sujet 1 (person) + (personally-used verb–conjugated) + que + Sujet 2 + verb (Subjonctif) Subject 1(person) + (verb–conjugated) that ... |
|
Example: Le professeur demande que + Sujet 2 + verb (Subjonctif) ...
Le professeur demande que les étudiantes remettent leurs devoirs. The teacher asks that the (female) students hand in their homework assignments. The teacher is asking that the (female) students hand in their homework assignments. |
Subjonctif "Copy-And-Paste" Tools |
The next several tables provide a generous variety of popular adjectives and verbs which can be used "personally" or "impersonally", as illustrated in all the formulas above.
You can "copy and paste" them into the appropriate placeholders – indicated by the following identifiers:
personally-used adjectives,
impersonally-used adjectives,
personally-used verbs, and
impersonally-used verbs
This comprehensive and practical approach can help anyone develop considerable skill in using the French Subjonctif with a minimum of confusion.
Remember that the following lists are provided to illustrate how the "copy-and-paste" approach can work for using the Subjonctif. The lists themselves are not exhaustive.
The entries also include any additional words that sometimes need to be added to the "que", such as "... à ce que", "... pour que", etc.
Now let's take a good look at 'Verbal Constructions' which express ideas of ...
A Wishes, Preferences, Desire |
"Personally-used verbs"
(Expressing wishes, preferences, and desires)
|
adorer que |
to adore |
|
aimer mieux que |
to like better, to prefer |
|
aimer que |
to like, to love |
|
s'attendre à ce que |
to expect |
|
avoir envie que |
to look forward to |
|
avoir hâte que |
to be eager |
|
avoir intérêt à ce que |
to have an interest |
|
demander que |
to ask |
|
désirer que |
to desire |
|
insister pour que |
to insist |
|
préférer que |
to prefer |
|
souhaiter que |
to wish |
|
suggérer que |
to suggest |
|
tenir à ce que |
to hold to |
|
vouloir que |
to want |
|
Example: Je veux que vous soyez (Subjonctif présent) à l'heure. I want you to be on time. (The French idea is that "I want that you be on time) |
"Impersonally-used verbs"
(Expressing wishes, preferences, and desires)
|
(il) valoir mieux que |
to be worth more, to be better (impersonal when "il" means "it") |
|
Example: Il vaut mieux qu'on atterrisse (Subjonctif présent) tout de suite! It is better that we land right away! |
B Emotions |
"Personally-used verbs"
(Expressing emotions)
|
avoir peur que |
to be afraid, to fear |
|
craindre que |
to fear, to worry |
|
détester que |
to detest |
|
se fâcher que |
to be angry / get angry |
|
s'étonner que |
to be stunned, astonished, amazed |
|
regretter que |
to regret |
|
se réjouir que |
to rejoice |
|
Example: J'ai peur que les techniciens n'aient (Subjonctif présent) plus de pièces de rechange. I am afrait that the technicians have no more spare parts. I am afrait that the technicians do not have any more spare parts. |
"Impersonally-used verbs"
(Expressing emotions)
|
décevoir que |
to disappoint |
|
étonner que |
to astonish, to stun |
|
fâcher que |
to anger, to make angry |
|
faire plaisir que |
to give pleasure to, to make happy |
|
frustrer que |
to frustrate |
|
irriter que |
to irritate |
|
plaire (à quelqu'un) que |
to please |
|
réjouir que |
to give joy to |
|
rendre (+ adjective) que |
to make (+ personally-used emotional adjective such as triste, content, etc.) |
|
surprendre que |
to surprise |
|
Example: Ça me surprend que tu puisses (Subjonctif présent) le faire si vite! It surprises me that you can / that you are able to do it so quickly! |
"Personally-used adjectives"
(Expressing emotions)
|
content |
happy |
|
désolé |
desolate, distressed, sorry |
|
étonné |
astonished, stunned |
|
fâché |
angry |
|
furieux |
furious |
|
heureux |
happy |
|
ravi |
very happy |
|
surpris |
surprised |
|
triste |
sad |
|
Example: Je suis désolé qu'il y ait eu (Subjonctif passé) une dispute. I'm sorry that there has been / there was an argument. |
"Impersonally-used adjectives"
(Expressing emotions)
|
agaçant |
bothersome, disturbing |
|
agréable |
pleasant |
|
anormal |
abnormal |
|
bon |
good |
|
choquant |
shocking |
|
décevant |
disappointing |
|
déplorable |
deplorable |
|
dommage |
too bad |
|
effrayant |
terrifying |
|
embêtant |
annoying |
|
étrange |
strange |
|
frappant |
striking |
|
frustrant |
frustrating |
|
honteux |
shameful |
|
inquiétant |
disturbing, worrisome |
|
passionnant |
gripping |
|
rassurant |
reassuring |
|
regrettable |
regrettable |
|
scandaleux |
scandalous |
|
stimulant |
stimulating |
|
surprenant |
surprising |
|
terrible |
terrible |
|
triste |
sad |
|
Example: C'est triste que vous pensiez (Subjonctif présent) comme ça. It's sad that you think that way. |
C Doubt |
"Personally-used verbs"
(Expressing doubt)
|
douter que |
to doubt |
|
ne pas croire que |
to not believe |
|
ne pas penser que |
to not think |
|
Example: Je doute sérieusement que nous soyons (Subjonctif présent) innocents. I seriously doubt that we are innocent. |
"Impersonally-used adjectives"
(Expressing doubt)
|
douteux |
doubtful |
|
faux |
false |
|
impossible |
impossible |
|
improbable |
improbable, unlikely |
|
incertain |
not certain, uncertain |
|
pas certain |
not certain, uncertain |
|
pas sûr |
not sure, unsure |
|
pas vrai |
not true, untrue |
|
peu probable |
improbable, unlikely |
|
Example: Il est peu probable qu'elle vienne (Subjonctif présent) avant mardi. It is unlikely that she will come / is coming before Monday. |
D Orders, Permission |
"Personally-used verbs"
(Expressing orders or permission)
|
s'attendre à ce que |
to expect |
|
commander que |
to command, to order |
|
consentir à ce que |
to consent to |
|
défendre que |
to forbid |
|
demander que |
to ask, to request |
|
empêcher que |
to prevent |
|
exiger que |
to require |
|
insister pour que |
to insist |
|
interdire que |
to forbid |
|
s'opposer à ce que |
to be against, to be opposed to, to oppose |
|
ordonner que |
to order |
|
permettre que |
to permit |
|
proposer que |
to propose |
|
recommander que |
to recommend |
|
refuser que |
to refuse |
|
tenir à ce que |
to hold to |
|
tolérer que |
to tolerate |
|
vouloir que |
to want |
|
Example: Je recommande que les étudiants aient (Subjonctif présent) plus de temps d'étude. I recommend that the students have more study time. |
E Possibility |
"Impersonally-used verbs"
(Expressing possibility)
|
"il/ça se (pouvoir)" que |
"to be possible that" (this meaning works with –il/ça–) |
|
"il y (avoir) des chances" que |
"to be chances that" (this meaning works with –il–) |
|
Example: Il se peut qu'on réussisse (Subjonctif présent) du premier coup. It is possible that we succeed / will succeed on the first try. |
"Impersonally-used adjectives"
(Expressing possibility)
|
impossible |
impossible |
|
pas possible |
not possible |
|
possible |
possible |
|
Example: Ce n'est pas possible qu'il ait accepté (Subjonctif passé) la responsabilité si vite! It's not possible that he accepted / did accept / has accepted the responsibility so quickly! |
F Necessity |
"Impersonally-used verbs"
(Expressing necessity)
|
"il (falloir)" que |
"to be necessary that" (this meaning only works with –il–) |
|
Example: Il faut qu'on finisse (Subjonctif présent) le rapport ce matin. It's necessary that we finish the report this morning. |
"Impersonally-used adjectives"
(Expressing necessity)
|
essentiel |
essential |
|
indispensable |
indispensable |
|
nécessaire |
necessary |
|
obligatoire |
mandatory, obligatory |
|
Example: C'est essentiel que tu puisses (Subjonctif présent) arriver avant le discours. It's essential that you be able to arrive before the speech. |
G Value Judgments |
"Impersonally-used verbs"
(Expressing value judgments)
|
"il/cela/ça (valoir) mieux que |
to be better that, to be worth more (this meaning works with –il/cela/ça–) |
|
"il/ce/c' (être) temps que" |
to be time that (this meaning works with – il/ce/c'–) |
|
Example: Il vaudrait mieux qu'on soit (Subjonctif présent) à l'heure. It would be better that we be on time. |
"Impersonally-used adjectives"
(Expressing value judgments)
|
bon |
good |
|
convenable |
suitable |
|
important |
important |
|
juste |
just |
|
logique |
logical |
|
naturel |
natural |
|
normal |
normal |
|
préférable |
preferable |
|
raisonnable |
reasonable |
|
rare |
rare |
|
regrettable |
regrettable |
|
urgent |
urgent |
|
utile |
useful |
|
Example: C'est regrettable que la présentation soit (Subjonctif présent) déjà terminée. It's regrettable that the presentation is already finished. |
H Special Cases |
H1 – Used as a wish stated without any introductory words, or just with 'que'
|
Examples: Vive le roi! = Je souhaite que le roi vive (longtemps)! (Long) live the king! = May the king live (a long time)!
Que ta proposition soit acceptée sans délai! (Subjonctif présent passif) May your proposal be accepted without delay! |
H2 – Used as an Imperative stated with only the introductory word 'que'
|
Examples: Qu'elle m'appelle (Subjonctif présent) dès son arrivée! Let her call me upon (her) arrival / as soon as she arrives!
Sa voiture est en panne? Alors, qu'il prenne (Subjonctif présent) un taxi pour y aller! His car is broken down? Then let him take a taxi to go there! |
H3 – To express doubt or uncertainty that is implied, rather than stated outright.
In this case, the "que" is not even necessary.
|
Examples: Je cherche une voiture qui ait (Subjonctif présent) moins de 15 000 km. En avez-vous une? I'm looking for a car that has fewer than 15,000 km. Do you have one? (I know that there might be a car with fewer than 15,000 km, but I also know that there might not be one. This uncertainty, or doubt, in my own mind can be expressed by using the Subjonctif as in the example above.)
Nous cherchons une fille qui puisse (Subjonctif présent) parler le chinois. We're looking for a girl who can/is able to speak Chinese. (We hope that we'll find a girl who can speak Chinese, but we are not sure that we will find one. This uncertainty, or doubt, can be expressed by using the Subjonctif as in the example above.) |
H4 – Used with Superlatives in Relative clauses
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Relative clauses use "relative pronouns" such as qui, que, où, and dont - which point back at an item spoken of before. Superlatives include ideas or words that describe an extreme of some sort, such as: le seul… la seule ... (the only) le premier… la première ... (the first) le dernier… la dernière ... (the last) le meilleur… la meilleure ... (the best) le pire… la pire ... (the worst) le plus + adjectif... la plus + adjectif ... (the most + adjective) le moins + adjectif ... la moins + adjectif (the least + adjective) etc. |
Combining a superlative with relative pronouns give results such as the following examples:
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Example: "C'est le plus beau monument qui ait été rénové depuis dix ans." That is the most beautiful monument that has been renovated in the last ten years. (In my opinion, that is the most beautiful monument that has been/gotten renovated in the last ten years. I may be wrong about that (so it may not be the actual fact), but it is my (subjective) opinion that it is true.)
C'est la pire pollution que j'aie vue en Amérique du Nord. This is the worst pollution that I have seen in North America. (I may in fact have seen worse pollution in North America, but this is, at the moment of speaking, the worst (in my opinion) that I have seen.) |
H5 – Used with the family of indefinite qualifiers
The meanings are shown in the translation to the example below
and the Subjonctif form of the verb is in bold red text.
où que,
que,
quel(le) que,
quoi que, and
quoique
The meanings are shown in the translation to the example below.
The Subjonctif form of the verb is in bold red text.
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Examples: Où que l'enseignant habite, qu'il vienne tôt ou tard, que ce soit un homme ou une femme, quoi qu'il ou elle enseigne, qu'il soit prêt, qu'elle soit prête, quel que soit le moment, quelle que soit l'heure, et quoique l'embauche soit déjà assurée, c'est primordial qu'il ou elle se fasse présenter au personnel enseignant avant d'assumer ses tâches officielles! Wherever (regardless of where) the teacher lives, whether he arrives early or late, whether it is a man or a woman, whatever he or she teaches, whether he is ready, whether she is ready, whatever the time, whatever the hour, and although the hiring is guaranteed, it is of utmost importance that he or she gets introduced to the teaching staff before assuming his/her official duties! |
The above paragraph is a somewhat extreme example of indefinite qualifiers employed along with the Subjonctif.
They are the French tools 'of choice' to express the idea of "whatever" when used with the Subjonctif.
H6 – Used with the verb "être" alone
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Examples: Soit… soit … Nous arriverons surement la semaine prochaine, soit lundi, soit mardi. We will surely arrive next week, be it Monday or be it Tuesday. We will surely arrive next week, either Monday or Tuesday. L'entreprise sera lancée le mois prochain, soit par Sophie, soit par Geneviève. The enterprise will be launched next month, be it by Sophie or be it by Geneviève. The enterprise will be launched next month, either by Sophie or by Geneviève. Soit que … soit que … (+ sujet + Subjonctif) Soit que l'étudiante parte à l'heure, soit qu'elle parte en retard, elle arrivera à la rencontre avant 19h00. Be it that the (female) student leaves on time or that she leaves late, she will arrive at the gathering before 7 pm. Whether the (female) student leaves on time or leaves late, she will arrive at the gathering before 7 pm. |
A Few Curious Cases, and Final words |
Special Verbs that sometimes use the Subjonctif, and sometimes do not!
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A small group of verbs don't trigger the Subjonctif in the affirmative, but often do when in the negative or the interrogative. The reason for this is that there is an element of doubt or uncertainty that is implied by the words themselves. |
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Here is a list of the more important verbs of this group: |
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"il (me) sembler"–conjugated with –il/cela/ça |
"it seems (to me)" |
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"il paraître"–conjugated with –il/cela/ça |
"it seems" |
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affirmer |
to affirm |
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annoncer |
to announce |
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croire |
to believe |
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dire |
to say |
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espérer |
to hope |
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être certain |
to be certain |
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être sûr |
to be sure |
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penser |
to think |
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se souvenir |
to remember |
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trouver |
to find |
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voir |
to see |
| Examples: | |
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Je pense que c'est leur voiture. I think that it is their automobile. |
Affirmative ► non-Subjonctif |
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Penses-tu que ce soit leur voiture? Do you think that it is their automobile? |
Interrogative ► Subjonctif |
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Il ne pense pas que ce soit leur voiture. He doesn't think that it is their automobile. |
Negative ► Subjonctif |