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French Grammar Guidebook
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Subjunctive Use
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In general, the Subjunctive is used to evoke subjectivityuncertainty, emotion, wishful thinking. It is used in subordinate clauses, when the subject of the phrase is different than that of the main clause. Here are some verbs or phrases that require the Subjunctive: 1. Conjecture or doubt (douter que)
2. Necessity (il faut que, il est nécessaire que)
3. Volition/requests (vouloir que, désirer que)
4. Emotion (avoir peur que"to be afraid that", craindre que"to fear that")
5. After certain conjunctions (avant que"before", à moins que"unless", pour que"so that", bien que"although," etc.).
6. After superlatives that are highly subjective
The Subjunctive is not used in "if" statements or after espérer. Mastery of the Subjunctive requires a great deal of practice and study. As you progress to more advanced studies of French, you will learn the special uses of the Subjunctive and the nuances that the Subjunctive conveys. |
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Examples of Subjunctive Use
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