Il faut que tu viennes.
English: You have to come.
- Language
- French
- Level
- B2
- Unit
- Modes subjonctif et conditionnel
- Practice types
- 0
What this grammar point covers
The present subjunctive (subjonctif présent) is a verb form in French. It expresses doubt, wishes, emotions, necessity, or uncertainty, often after specific expressions or conjunctions.
When to use it
Use the subjonctif présent in French after certain expressions that show doubt, desire, necessity, emotions, or possibility. It is often used after 'que' when the main clause expresses these ideas.
Key forms
- que + subject + verb in subjonctif présent
- Example: Il faut que tu viennes.
- Regular endings: -e, -es, -e, -ions, -iez, -ent
Examples
Je veux que tu sois heureux.
English: I want you to be happy.
Bien qu'il pleuve, nous sortons.
English: Although it is raining, we are going out.
Je doute qu'elle ait compris.
English: I doubt that she understood.
Tips
- Remember to use the subjunctive after expressions like 'il faut que', 'je veux que', 'je doute que'.
- The subjunctive is rarely used alone; it usually follows 'que'.
- Some verbs have irregular subjunctive forms, like 'être' (sois, sois, soit...) and 'avoir' (aie, aies, ait...).
Exceptions and edge cases
- Some verbs have irregular forms in the subjunctive (être, avoir, aller, faire, etc.).
- After certain expressions of certainty (like 'je pense que'), the indicative is used, not the subjunctive.