Subjunctive conjunctions
The subjunctive mood is one of the most distinctive and sometimes challenging aspects of French grammar. It is used to express doubt, necessity, emotion, purpose, uncertainty, and hypothetical situations. One of the key triggers for the subjunctive is a set of subordinating conjunctions – commonly referred to as subjunctive conjunctions – which introduce dependent clauses requiring the subjunctive.
These conjunctions signal that the action in the subordinate clause is not presented as a fact but rather as something subjective, uncertain, or influenced by external conditions. Some of the most common subjunctive conjunctions include bien que (although), pour que (so that), and avant que (before).
1. Expressions of Necessity & Obligation
These expressions indicate something that must or should be done.
- afin que – so that
- Je t’explique afin que tu comprennes.
- (I’m explaining so that you understand.)
- de sorte que – so that
- Il parle lentement de sorte que tout le monde puisse suivre.
- (He speaks slowly so that everyone can follow.)
- de manière que – so that
- Organise-toi de manière que tu sois prêt à l’heure.
- (Organize yourself so that you’re ready on time.)
- de façon que – so that
- Il chuchote de façon que personne ne l’entende.
- (He whispers so that no one hears him.)
- il faut que – it is necessary that
- Il faut que nous partions avant midi.
- (We must leave before noon.)
- il est nécessaire que – it is necessary that
- Il est nécessaire que tu sois prudent.
- (It is necessary that you be careful.)
- il est essentiel que – it is essential that
- Il est essentiel que tu fasses tes devoirs.
- (It is essential that you do your homework.)
- il est important que – it is important that
- Il est important que vous soyez à l’heure.
- (It is important that you be on time.)
- il est indispensable que – it is indispensable that
- Il est indispensable que nous ayons une solution.
- (It is indispensable that we have a solution.)
2. Expressions of Purpose
These expressions indicate an aim or a goal.
- pour que – so that, in order that
- Je te prête mon livre pour que tu puisses étudier.
- (I’m lending you my book so that you can study.)
- de peur que – for fear that
- Elle chuchote de peur que son bébé ne se réveille.
- (She whispers for fear that her baby wakes up.)
- de crainte que – for fear that
- Il évite ce sujet de crainte que cela ne cause des disputes.
- (He avoids this topic for fear that it will cause arguments.)
(Note: “ne” is explétif – it does not change the meaning.)
3. Expressions of Doubt & Uncertainty
These introduce doubt or uncertainty.
- douter que – to doubt that
- Je doute qu’il vienne ce soir.
- (I doubt that he’s coming tonight.)
- il est douteux que – it is doubtful that
- Il est douteux que nous ayons le temps.
- (It is doubtful that we have time.)
- il est peu probable que – it is unlikely that
- Il est peu probable qu’ils réussissent sans aide.
- (It is unlikely that they will succeed without help.)
- il semble que – it seems that (when there is uncertainty)
- Il semble que Paul soit malade.
- (It seems that Paul is sick.)
- il se peut que – it is possible that
- Il se peut qu’il pleuve demain.
- (It is possible that it will rain tomorrow.)
- il est possible que – it is possible that
- Il est possible que nous soyons en retard.
- (It is possible that we will be late.)
4. Expressions of Emotion
These express feelings such as happiness, sadness, surprise, regret, or fear.
- être content que – to be happy that
- Je suis content que tu sois là.
- (I’m happy that you’re here.)
- être triste que – to be sad that
- Nous sommes tristes qu’il parte.
- (We are sad that he is leaving.)
- être désolé que – to be sorry that
- Je suis désolé que tu sois malade.
- (I’m sorry that you are sick.)
- regretter que – to regret that
- Il regrette que nous n’ayons pas accepté l’offre.
- (He regrets that we didn’t accept the offer.)
- avoir peur que – to be afraid that
- J’ai peur que tu ne comprennes pas.
- (I’m afraid that you won’t understand.)
- craindre que – to fear that (often with “ne” explétif)
- Elle craint que son fils ne prenne une mauvaise décision.
- (She fears that her son will make a bad decision.)
5. Expressions of Concession
These introduce a contrast between two ideas.
- bien que – although
- Bien qu’il fasse froid, nous sortons.
- (Although it is cold, we are going out.)
- quoique – although
- Quoique tu sois fatigué, tu dois finir ton travail.
- (Although you are tired, you must finish your work.)
- encore que – even though
- Il viendra encore que ce soit difficile pour lui.
- (He will come even though it is difficult for him.)
6. Expressions of Condition & Restriction
- à condition que – provided that
- Tu peux venir à condition que tu sois sage.
- (You can come provided that you behave.)
- à moins que – unless (with “ne” explétif)
- Nous partirons à moins qu’il ne pleuve.
- (We will leave unless it rains.)
- pourvu que – provided that
- Je t’aide pourvu que tu écoutes.
- (I will help you provided that you listen.)
- sans que – without
- Il est parti sans que je le voie.
- (He left without me seeing him.)
7. Expressions of Time (when indicating futurity or uncertainty)
- avant que – before (with “ne” explétif)
- Finis tes devoirs avant que tes parents ne rentrent.
- (Finish your homework before your parents get home.)
- jusqu’à ce que – until
- Reste ici jusqu’à ce que je revienne.
- (Stay here until I come back.)
- en attendant que – while waiting for
- Je vais lire en attendant que tu finisses.
- (I will read while waiting for you to finish.)
8. Expressions of Indefiniteness
- quoi que – whatever
- Quoi que tu fasses, sois prudent.
- (Whatever you do, be careful.)
- qui que – whoever
- Qui que tu sois, tu es le bienvenu.
- (Whoever you are, you are welcome.)
- où que – wherever
- Où que tu ailles, je te suivrai.
- (Wherever you go, I will follow you.)
- quel(le)(s) que – whatever
- Quels que soient tes problèmes, parle-moi.
- (Whatever your problems are, talk to me.)
