The French subjunctif

The French subjunctive corresponds with the English subjunctive.
In contrast to the English subjunctive, the French subjunctive is used on a more regular basis.
The speaker intends to express a desire or a personal expression of necessity, possibility or judgement.
The subjunctive is used in two different cases/situations:

Case 1:
The subject of the main clause and the subject of the dependent clause must differ, otherwise the indicative can be used as usual.

💬 For Example:
Je veux que tu ailles à la banque. → subjunctive
– I want you to go to the bank.

False:
Je veux aller Ă  la banque
→ here, the indicative is needed!

Case 2:
Dependent clauses starting with «que» or «qui» require the subjunctives if certain idioms are used before «que» or «qui». If there is an «de» instead of «que» or «qui» an indicative clause is required.

💬 For Example:
Il est important que tu fasses tes devoirs. → subjunctive
– It is important for you to do your homework.

False:
Il est important de faire tes devoirs. → here, the indicative is needed
Il faut que... (I have to, you have to...):
→ Il faut que tu sois là ce soir.
– You have to be here tonight.

 

 

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