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

1904 Views

See similar French A Level tutors

Related French A Level answers

All answers ▸

When is the subjunctive required?


I don't quite understand when to use the perfect tense vs the imperfect, could you help me please? (making the assumption they understand the conjugation rules already)


Corriger la phrase suivante :" Ce matin, nous sommes tous arrivé à l’école bien content."


How do you know when to use the subjunctive?


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