How is the subjunctive used?

The subjunctive mood in French is usually used in the present tense to express doubt, necessity, wishes and fear. It is also used for certain set phrases — mainly conjunctions e.g. avant que (before), pour que (in order to/so that), à moins que (unless) and more. It is formed by taking the 3rd person present tense indicative form of the verb (ils/elles), getting rid of the -ent and attaching the subjunctive endings: -e, -es, -e, -ions, -iez, -ent.
There are verbs that take an irregular form in the subjunctive, such as faire, which becomes fass(e/es/e/iez/ionz/ent); savoir, which becomes sach(e/es/e/iez/ion/ent), pouvoir puiss(e/es/e/iez/ions/ent). Here is an example sentence where the subjunctive may be used: ‘Je doute qu’on doive avoir peur du subjonctif.’

SK
Answered by Shreya K. French tutor

2018 Views

See similar French A Level tutors

Related French A Level answers

All answers ▸

What else is the definite article (le/la/les) used for in French?


When should I use the subjunctive?


Traduisez la phrases suivante: 'Il nous enseigne ainsi que la philosophie est un tout, que l'éthique se fonde sur une véritable science du bonheur, et que le savoir lui-même, s'il nou rendait pas plus heureux, ne servirait à rien.'


Qui or Que?


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