When should I use the subjonctif?

The subjunctive is a tricky part of the french language, one that often confuses students.

There are several cases in which it is used:

- when you express a desire, a will, an order (e.g. Je veux que tu...). But NOT after espérer 

- when you have to do something, so for example express something with the phrase "il faut que" 

- To express a possibility, uncertainty or doubt (e.g. Je ne suis pas sure..., c'est possible que...) 

- after certain impersonal expressions (e.g. Il est important que..., il est logique que..., il est possible que...) 

- after certain conjunctions (e.g. pour que, afin que) 

- to express a negated opinion (e.g. je ne crois pas que + Subjonctif, BUT Je crois que + Indicatif, je ne trouve pas que + subjonctif, BUT je trouve que + Indicatif) 

SK
Answered by Susanne K. French tutor

4619 Views

See similar French GCSE tutors

Related French GCSE answers

All answers ▸

How do I remember when to use the perfect or the imperfect tense?


How can I form the imperfect tense in French?


When do you use 'avoir' and 'être' when using 'Le passé composé'?


What is the difference between the perfect and imperfect tense?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning