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Tense guide
Présent du subjonctif (Present Subjunctive)

Language: French
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Introduction

In French, there is a special verb form used to talk about things that are not certain or concrete facts. It is used to express wishes, emotions, doubts, or possibilities. This form often appears after the word "que" when the first part of the sentence expresses a personal feeling or a non-factual idea about the second part.

You use this verb form to express what you want, wish, or demand from someone else. It follows phrases like "Je veux que" (I want that) or "J'aimerais que" (I would like that).

Je veux que tu fasses tes devoirs.
(I want you to do your homework.)
J'aimerais qu'il m'appelle demain.
(I would like him to call me tomorrow.)
Elle demande que vous soyez silencieux.
(She asks that you be quiet.)

This form is used after expressions of emotion or personal feeling, such as being happy, sad, or afraid. It shows how the speaker feels about another action or situation.

Je suis content que tu sois là.
(I am happy that you are here.)
Elle a peur qu'il ne vienne pas.
(She is afraid that he won't come.)
C'est dommage que nous devions partir.
(It's a shame that we have to leave.)
Je regrette qu'elle ne puisse pas rester.
(I regret that she cannot stay.)

Use this verb form when expressing doubt or uncertainty. If you are not sure about something, this form shows it. It follows phrases like "Je doute que" (I doubt that) or "Il est possible que" (It is possible that).

Je doute qu'il dise la vérité.
(I doubt that he is telling the truth.)
Il est possible que nous arrivions en retard.
(It's possible that we will arrive late.)
Il se peut qu'il pleuve plus tard.
(It may rain later.)

This is one of the most common uses. This verb form appears after impersonal phrases that state a necessity, an obligation, or a judgment. The phrase "Il faut que" (It is necessary that) almost always uses this form.

Il faut que je parte maintenant.
(I have to leave now.)
Il faut que vous écoutiez attentivement.
(You must listen carefully.)
Il est important que tu saches cela.
(It is important that you know that.)
Il vaut mieux qu'elle se repose un peu.
(It is better that she rests a little.)
Il est nécessaire que nous finissions ce projet.
(It is necessary that we finish this project.)

Some connecting words that link two ideas require this special verb form. These words often express a purpose, a condition, or a time relationship.

Je t'appelle pour que tu saches l'heure.
(I'm calling you so that you know the time.)
Parle-moi avant qu'il ne soit trop tard.
(Talk to me before it's too late.)
Bien qu'il fasse froid, nous sortons.
(Although it is cold, we are going out.)
Je viendrai à condition que tu sois là aussi.
(I will come on the condition that you are there too.)

This form is used when you express a belief or opinion in the negative or as a question. While "Je pense que" (I think that) uses a normal verb form, "Je ne pense pas que" (I don't think that) uses this special one because it introduces doubt.

Je ne pense pas qu'il ait raison.
(I don't think that he is right.)
Elle ne croit pas que nous puissions le faire.
(She doesn't believe that we can do it.)
Penses-tu qu'il vienne ce soir ?
(Do you think that he is coming tonight?)

This form is sometimes used after a superlative (like "the best", "the only", or "the most interesting") to add emphasis or a subjective opinion about what follows.

C'est le plus beau film que je connaisse.
(It's the most beautiful film that I know.)
C'est la seule personne qui sache la réponse.
(She is the only person who knows the answer.)

Be careful! This special verb form usually appears after "que", but not every sentence with "que" uses it. It is only used when the first part of the sentence expresses one of the situations described above, like an emotion, a doubt, or a wish.

Further explanations

Conjugation patterns