Subjunctive Triggers
Spoken Description
Maîtrisez les verbes et expressions qui exigent le mode subjonctif en français. Tout pour reconnaître et utiliser correctement la forme : quand et pourquoi employer le subjonctif, conjugaisons clés et exemples.
Learn the verbs and expressions that require the subjunctive mood in French. Explore when, why, and how to use the subjunctive: key conjugations, common triggers like devoir, vouloir, il faut que, and practical examples.
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The subjunctive mood in French signals attitude, doubt, desire, or necessity and usually appears after certain trigger expressions. This guide groups the common triggers by category with brief examples to keep you focused on useful patterns.
Opinion Expressions
Expressions of opinion, judgment, or doubt often trigger the subjunctive when they are negated or turned into questions. Some verbs hold it more consistently in subordinate clauses.
| French Word(s) | English Word(s) | |
|---|---|---|
| Il faut que | It is necessary that | |
| Il est important que | It is important that | |
| Il vaut mieux que | It is better that | |
| Il est dommage que | It is a pity that | |
| Il est essentiel que | It is essential that |
Il faut que tu(être) à l'heure.
It is necessary that you be on time.
Complete the sentence with the subjunctive (être): Il faut que tu ___ (to be) à l'heure.
Feelings
Verbs and expressions that convey emotion, such as fear, joy, regret, or surprise, typically require the subjunctive in the following clause. The mood highlights the subjective nature of the feeling.
| French Word(s) | English Word(s) | |
|---|---|---|
| Avoir peur que | To be afraid that | |
| Être heureux que | To be happy that | |
| Regretter que | To regret that | |
| S'étonner que | To be surprised that | |
| Être triste que | To be sad that |
Je crains qu'elle ne(avoir) pas assez de temps.
I fear that she may not have enough time.
Complete with the subjunctive: Je crains qu'elle ne ___ (avoir) pas assez de temps.
Doubt and Possibility
Expressions that signal doubt, uncertainty, or possibility usually trigger the subjunctive. When the speaker leaves something open-ended or questions reality, this mood fits.
| French Word(s) | English Word(s) | |
|---|---|---|
| Douter que | To doubt that | |
| Il est possible que | It is possible that | |
| Il se peut que | It may be that | |
| Ne pas être sûr que | To not be sure that | |
| Il semble que | It seems that |
(It may be that) elle réussisse son examen.
It may be that she passes her exam.
Fill in the expression of possibility: ___ (It may be that) elle réussisse son examen.
Necessity and Will
Verbs and phrases expressing necessity, demand, desire, or will generally require the subjunctive in the clause that follows. These triggers show that an action is wanted, required, or preferred rather than certain.
| French Word(s) | English Word(s) | |
|---|---|---|
| Vouloir que | To want that | |
| Exiger que | To require that | |
| Demander que | To ask that | |
| Préférer que | To prefer that | |
| Insister pour que | To insist that |
Elle(to want) que nous arrivions tôt.
She wants that we arrive early.
Translate and fill in the trigger: She wants that we arrive early. → Elle ___ (to want) que nous arrivions tôt.
Conjunctions
Certain conjunctions always or often trigger the subjunctive when they introduce a dependent clause. They signal purpose, condition, time, or concession and highlight that the action is not guaranteed.
| French Word(s) | English Word(s) | |
|---|---|---|
| Bien que | Although | |
| Pour que | So that | |
| À moins que | Unless | |
| Avant que | Before | |
| Jusqu'à ce que | Until |
Finis ton travail avant que je(partir).
Finish your work before I leave.
Complete with the subjunctive: Finis ton travail avant que je ___ (partir).
Summary
The subjunctive appears after expressions of necessity, will, emotion, doubt, and certain conjunctions that signal uncertainty or subjectivity. Learning common triggers helps you know when to switch mood so your French sounds natural and precise.
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