4.3 Introduction to the Subjunctive

What it is

The subjonctif is a mood for wishes, necessity, emotion, and doubt. It appears in a subordinate clause after que: 'Il faut que tu parles' (You must speak).

Forming it

Take the ils present form, drop -ent, and add: -e, -es, -e, -ions, -iez, -ent. 'parler' (ils parlent) → que je parle, que tu parles, que nous parlions.

Triggers

Common triggers: il faut que (it's necessary that), vouloir que (to want that), être content que (to be happy that), avoir peur que (to fear that), bien que (although).

Key terms

subjonctif

mood for wishes, necessity, emotion, doubt

Formation

ils form minus -ent + -e,-es,-e,-ions,-iez,-ent

Trigger

follows 'que': Il faut que tu parles

Common triggers

il faut que, vouloir que, bien que, avoir peur que

Example

Je veux que tu viennes = I want you to come

Try an AP-style question

"Il faut que tu ___ (finir)."

1. finis
2. finir
3. finisses
4. finiras