If you want to express emotions, desires, or uncertainties like a native speaker, mastering the subjunctive is a must. But don’t worry! We’re going to learn it through common French idioms!
The subjunctive is a special verb mood used to express uncertainty, wishes, emotions, or necessity. It’s mostly found in dependent clauses following certain expressions and verbs.

Here are some key phrases that trigger the subjunctive:

• Il faut que… (It’s necessary that…)
• Je veux que… (I want that…)
• Il est important que… (It’s important that…)

These phrases lead to sentences where the verb that follows must be in the subjunctive.

French idioms often use the subjunctive, making them a great way to practice this tricky mood naturally. Let’s go over seven common idioms and see how the subjunctive plays a role in each.

Example 1: It is necessary that… “Il faut que…”
Sentence: Il faut que tu fasses tes devoirs. (You have to do your homework.)
Explanation: Fasses is the subjunctive form of faire. We use the subjunctive because il faut que expresses necessity.

Example 2: It’s important that…“Il est important que…”
Sentence: Il est important que nous soyons à l’heure. (It’s important that we be on time.)
Explanation: Soyons is the subjunctive form of être. Here, Il est important que emphasizes obligation.

Example 3: I want that…“Je veux que…”
Sentence: Je veux que tu viennes à ma fête. (I want you to come to my party.)
Explanation: Viennes is the subjunctive form of venir, used because je veux que expresses a wish.

Example 4: As long as …“Pourvu que…”
Explanation: Pourvu qu’il ne pleuve pas demain ! (As long as it doesn’t rain tomorrow!)
Explanation: Pleuve is the subjunctive form of pleuvoir. We use the subjunctive because pourvu que expresses a condition or hope for the future.

Example 5: Unless…“À moins que…”
Sentence: Je n’irai pas à la plage à moins qu’il fasse beau. (I won’t go to the beach unless the weather is nice.)
Explanation: Fasse is the subjunctive form of faire. We use the subjunctive because à moins que introduces a condition that could change the outcome.

Example 6: Although or Even though…“Bien que…”
Sentence: Bien qu’elle soit fatiguée, elle continue à travailler. (Although she is tired, she keeps working.)
Explanation: Soit is the subjunctive form of être. We use the subjunctive because bien que expresses a contrast or concession.

Example 7: Before… “Avant que…”
Sentence: Ferme la porte avant que le chat ne sorte. (Close the door before the cat goes out.)
Explanation: Sorte is the subjunctive form of sortir. We use the subjunctive because avant que introduces a time-related condition that is uncertain.

Now it’s your turn! Let’s practice together. Try completing these sentences using the correct subjunctive form:

1. Il faut que tu ____ (aller) à l’école.
2. Je veux que vous ____ (faire) attention.
3. Il est important que nous ____ (avoir) assez de temps.
4. Pourvu que nous ________ (pouvoir) finir le projet à temps.
5. À moins que tu ne ______ (prendre) un parapluie, tu seras trempé.
6. Bien que ce film ______ (être) intéressant, je préfère lire le livre.
7. Avant que le soleil se ______ (se coucher), nous devons rentrer.

Here are some quick tips to help you master the subjunctive:
Memorize and practice the conjugation of the subjunctive form here:

• Try using these idioms in daily conversations!
• Listen to French songs and read dialogues that use the subjunctive.
• Use our website : https://www.frenchcircles.ca/le-subjonctif-present/ to learn and test yourself with exercises.

Remember: The more you practice, the more natural the subjunctive will feel.
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