Il faut que tu viennes.
English: You must come.
- Language
- French
- Level
- B1
- Unit
- Temps et modes verbaux
- Practice types
- 0
What this grammar point covers
The 'subjonctif présent' is a French verb mood used to express wishes, doubts, emotions, necessity, or uncertainty. It is different from the indicative, which states facts.
When to use it
Use the subjonctif présent after certain expressions (like 'il faut que', 'je veux que', 'bien que'), when expressing wishes, emotions, doubts, possibilities, or necessity.
Key forms
- que + subject + verb in subjonctif présent
- Example: que je parle, que tu finisses, qu’il vienne
Examples
Je veux que tu sois heureux.
English: I want you to be happy.
Bien qu’il fasse froid, il sort.
English: Although it is cold, he goes out.
Je doute qu’elle comprenne.
English: I doubt that she understands.
Tips
- The subjonctif is often introduced by 'que'.
- Many common verbs have irregular subjonctif forms (like 'être', 'avoir', 'aller', 'faire').
- Do not use the subjonctif for stating facts or certainties.
Exceptions and edge cases
- Some verbs are irregular in the subjonctif, such as 'être' (que je sois), 'avoir' (que j’aie), 'aller' (que j’aille), and 'faire' (que je fasse).