Lesson 17 Flashcards
This deck introduces the present subjunctive and goes through the most common verbs and phrases that require the subjunctive mood. For more info on the subjunctive, we recommend checking out lawlessfrench.com.
1
Q
What is the subjunctive mood?
A
The subjunctive mood is used for actions that are subjective or uncertain. These actions are dependent on opinions, conditions, or subjective ideas. The subjunctive mood is usually found in dependent clauses that begin with que.
2
Q
How do you conjugate the present subjunctive?
A
To conjugate regular verbs in the present subjunctive, take the third-person plural form of the present tense, then drop the -ent ending. From there, add the subjunctive endings: -e, -es, -e, -ions, -iez, -ent.
3
Q
Conjugate jouer in the present subjunctive.
A
- que je joue
- que tu joues
- qu’il/elle/on joue
- que nous jouions
- que vous jouiez
- qu’ils/elles jouent
This is a regular -ER verb conjugation. Recall that the subjunctive is often preceded by que.
4
Q
Conjugate finir in the present subjunctive.
A
- que je finisse
- que tu finisses
- qu’il/elle/on finisse
- que nous finissions
- que vous finissiez
- qu’ils/elles finissent
This is a regular -IR verb conjugation, taking its stem (finiss-) from the ils/elles form of the present (finissent).
5
Q
Conjugate attendre in the present subjunctive.
A
- que j’attende
- que tu attendes
- qu’il/elle/on attende
- que nous attendions
- que vous attendiez
- qu’ils/elles attendent
This is a regular -RE conjugation.
6
Q
Conjugate dire in the present subjunctive.
A
- que je dise
- que tu dises
- qu’il/elle/on dise
- que nous disions
- que vous disiez
- qu’ils/elles disent
7
Q
Conjugate partir in the present subjunctive.
A
- que je parte
- que tu partes
- qu’il/elle/on parte
- que nous partions
- que vous partiez
- qu’ils/elles partent
Note that while partir is irregular in the present indicative, it is regular in the present subjunctive.
8
Q
Translate to French:
You have to finish
A
Il faut que tu finisses
Recall that the impersonal verb falloir, “to have to” or “to be necessary,” can be used with an infinitive. When it is used with que, the resulting expression il faut que means “it is necessary that.” This expression is very common and requires the subjunctive.
9
Q
Translate to French:
They have to leave in 10 minutes
A
Il faut qu’ils partent dans 10 minutes
The more literal translation here would be “It is necessary that they leave in 10 minutes.” Of course, another way of saying this (without the subjunctive) is Ils doivent partir dans 10 minutes.
10
Q
Translate to French:
Why do you want me to leave?
A
Pourquoi veux-tu que je parte?
The subjunctive is used following verbs or expressions that denote desires, wishes, or preferences.
11
Q
Conjugate voir in the present subjunctive.
A
- que je voie
- que tu voies
- qu’il/elle/on voie
- que nous voyions
- que vous voyiez
- qu’ils/elles voient
Whenever there is an irregularity in the subjunctive conjugation of a verb, it often applies only to the nous and vous forms. Here, for those two forms, the stem changes to include a “y.” The other four conjugations are regular.
12
Q
Conjugate prendre in the present subjunctive.
A
- que je prenne
- que tu prennes
- qu’il/elle/on prenne
- que nous prenions
- que vous preniez
- qu’ils/elles prennent
Prendre is irregular in the subjunctive for its nous and vous forms, whose stems (pren-) come from the nous form of the present tense (prenons). The other four subjunctive conjugations are regular.
13
Q
Conjugate venir in the present subjunctive.
A
- que je vienne
- que tu viennes
- qu’il/elle/on vienne
- que nous venions
- que vous veniez
- qu’ils/elles viennent
Venir is irregular in the subjunctive for its nous and vous forms. Their stems are taken from the nous form of the present.
14
Q
Conjugate pleuvoir in the present subjunctive.
A
qu’il pleuve
Pleuvoir is an impersonal verb, so it has only one (irregular) conjugation in the subjunctive.
15
Q
Conjugate aller in the present subjunctive.
A
- que j’aille
- que tu ailles
- qu’il/elle/on aille
- que nous allions
- que vous alliez
- qu’ils/elles aillent
Aller is an irregular verb in the subjunctive. Note the different stem used for the nous and vous forms.
16
Q
Conjugate faire in the present subjunctive.
A
- que je fasse
- que tu fasses
- qu’il/elle fasse
- que nous fassions
- que vous fassiez
- qu’ils/elles fassent
Faire is an irregular verb in the subjunctive.
17
Q
Conjugate savoir in the present subjunctive.
A
- que je sache
- que tu saches
- qu’il/elle/on sache
- que nous sachions
- que vous sachiez
- qu’ils/elles sachent
Savoir is an irregular verb in the subjunctive.
18
Q
Conjugate pouvoir in the present subjunctive.
A
- que je puisse
- que tu puisses
- qu’il/elle/on puisse
- que nous puissions
- que vous puissiez
- qu’ils/elles puissent
Pouvoir is an irregular verb in the subjunctive.
19
Q
Conjugate vouloir in the present subjunctive.
A
- que je veuille
- que tu veuilles
- qu’il/elle/on veuille
- que nous voulions
- que vous vouliez
- qu’ils/elles veuillent
Vouloir is an irregular verb in the subjunctive. Note the different stem used for the nous and vous forms.
20
Q
Conjugate être in the present subjunctive.
A
- que je sois
- que tu sois
- qu’il/elle/on soit
- que nous soyons
- que vous soyez
- qu’ils/elles soient
Être is totally irregular in the subjunctive in that it has both irregular stems and endings.
21
Q
Conjugate avoir in the present subjunctive.
A
- que j’aie
- que tu aies
- qu’il/elle/on ait
- que nous ayons
- que vous ayez
- qu’ils/elles aient
Avoir is totally irregular in the subjunctive in that it has both irregular stems and endings.
22
Q
Translate to French:
They wish (that) he would come
A
Ils souhaitent qu’il vienne
to wish, to desire - désirer, souhaiter. Recall that verbs denoting desire should be followed by the subjunctive.
23
Q
Translate to French:
I prefer that you be there
A
Je préfère que tu sois là
The expression préférer que requires the subjunctive because it conveys preference.
24
Q
Translate to French:
She orders that we be ready
A
Elle commande que nous soyons prêts
The subjunctive is used following verbs or expressions that denote orders, requirements, or suggestions.
25
# Translate to French:
He _demands that you be_ on time
Il _exige que tu sois_ à l'heure
## Footnote
to demand (that) - *exiger (que)*. Since it conveys a command, *exiger que* requires the subjunctive.
26
# Translate to French:
I _permit him to make_ a meal
Je _permets qu'il fasse_ à manger
## Footnote
*Permettre que* requires the subjunctive.
27
# Translate to French:
She _suggests (that)_ we _leave_ soon
Elle _suggère que_ nous _partions_ bientôt
## Footnote
*Suggérer que* requires the subjunctive.
28
# Translate to French:
_It's time that_ we _do_ it
_Il est temps que_ nous le _fassions_
## Footnote
The expression *il est temps que* conveys a desire or suggestion, and therefore requires the subjunctive.
29
# Translate to French:
_It's important that_ he _leave_
*_Il est important qu'_*il _parte_
## Footnote
The expression *il est important que* requires the subjunctive.
30
# Translate to French:
_It'd be better if_ you guys _do_ it
_Il vaut mieux que_ vous le _fassiez_
## Footnote
to be better - *valoir mieux*. The impersonal verb *valoir* is used in the expression *il vaut mieux que*, which means "it is better that" and which requires the subjunctive.
31
# Translate to French:
It would be better _to not go_ / One should _not go_
Il vaut mieux _ne pas y aller_
## Footnote
The impersonal expression *il vaut mieux* can be used with an infinitive, particularly when the opinion or statement expressed is a general one. No subjunctive conjugation is needed.
32
# Translate to French:
We _doubt (that)_ you guys _will eat_
Nous _doutons que_ vous _mangiez_
## Footnote
The subjunctive is required following verbs or expressions of doubt, uncertainty, possibility, or opinion. Also note that there is no future subjunctive; the present subjunctive is used even when the action described would occur in the future.
33
# Translate to French:
_It is not certain that_ you guys _will study_
_Il n'est pas certain que_ vous _étudiiez_
## Footnote
Because it conveys a sense of uncertainty, the expression *il n'est pas certain que* should be followed by the subjunctive.
34
# Translate to French:
_It is impossible_ for you _to succeed_
_Il est impossible que_ tu _réussisses_
## Footnote
As an expression of possibility, *il est impossible que* requires the subjunctive. The opposite expression, *il est possible que*, also requires the subjunctive.
35
# Translate to French:
_It is fair that_ you guys _do_ it
_Il est juste que_ vous le _fassiez_
## Footnote
As an expression of opinion, *il est juste que* should be followed by the subjunctive.
36
# Translate to French:
_It seems he is_ happy. _It seems to me that she is_ glad
_Il semble qu'il soit_ heureux. _Il me semble qu'elle est_ contente
## Footnote
The impersonal expression *il semble que* is followed by the subjunctive. When *sembler* is used impersonally with an indirect object pronoun, however, it takes the indicative instead.
37
# Translate to French:
_It seems impossible that_ we _will arrive_ on time
_Il paraît impossible que_ nous _arrivions_ à l'heure
## Footnote
When *il paraît* is used with an adjective, the following verb may need to be in the subjunctive. Here, the subjunctive is used because *il est impossible que* requires the subjunctive, which means that *il paraît impossible que* also requires it.
38
# Translate to French:
_It doesn't seem like you can_ do it
_Il ne paraît pas que tu puisses_ le faire
## Footnote
*Il ne paraît pas que* requires the subjunctive.
39
# Translate to French:
He _regrets that the project is_ not ready
Il _regrette que le projet ne soit_ pas prêt
## Footnote
Verbs and expressions of emotion or feeling take the subjunctive. The feeling of regret is at play here.
40
# Translate to French:
I _like that_ Jean _is_ so creative
J'_aime que_ Jean _soit_ si créatif
## Footnote
As a verb of feeling, *aimer que* requires the subjunctive.
41
# Translate to French:
He _is happy that I can_ see it
Il _est heureux que je puisse_ le voir
## Footnote
*Être heureux que* requires the subjunctive.
42
# Translate to French:
He _is sad that she is leaving_
Il _est triste qu'elle parte_
## Footnote
As an expression of feeling, *être triste que* requires the subjunctive.
43
# Translate to French:
I _am embarrassed that_ you guys _are not waiting_ for us
J'_ai honte que_ vous ne nous _attendiez_ pas
## Footnote
The expression *avoir honte que* takes the subjunctive.
44
# Translate to French:
_It's good that_ Marc _wants_ to work
_Il est bon que_ Marc _ait envie_ de travailler
## Footnote
The construction *il est bon que* requires the subjunctive. Remember that if a verb or expression denotes an element of subjectivity, it is most likely followed by the subjunctive.
45
# Translate to French:
_It's too bad that_ I _can't_ see it
_Il est dommage que_ je ne _puisse_ pas le voir
## Footnote
*Il est dommage que* conveys a feeling or opinion, and therefore requires the subjunctive. Note that you could also say *C'est dommage que...*
46
# Translate to French:
He _thinks that_ I _understand_. He _does not believe that_ I _understand_
Il _croit que_ je _comprends_. Il _ne croit pas que_ je _comprenne_
## Footnote
Some verbs and expressions can take both the indicative and the subjunctive. When *croire que* is used in the affirmative, it takes the indicative. However, it is followed by the subjunctive when used negatively or interrogatively.
47
# Translate to French:
I _think that_ we _are going_ to forget. I _do not think that_ we _are going_ to forget
Je _pense que_ nous _allons_ oublier. Je _ne pense pas que_ nous _allions_ oublier
## Footnote
Note how the indicative is used with the affirmative form of *penser*, since certainty is implied. However, the subjunctive is used with the negative form of *penser*, which conveys doubt.
48
# Translate to French:
_It's certain that_ he _will be_ here tonight. _It's not certain that_ he _will be_ here tonight
*_Il est certain qu'_*il _sera_ ici ce soir. *_Il n'est pas certain qu'_*il _soit_ ici ce soir
## Footnote
Note how the indicative is used with *il est certain que*, since it denotes certainty. The subjunctive is used with the negative *il n'est pas certain que*, since uncertainty is suggested.
49
# Translate to French:
_It is true that_ she _is smiling_. _It is not true that_ she _is smiling_. _Is it true that_ she _is smiling?_
*_Il est vrai qu'_*elle _sourit_. *_Il n'est pas vrai qu'_*elle _sourie_. *_Est-il vrai qu'_*elle _sourie?_
## Footnote
Used affirmatively, *il est vrai que* takes the indicative. Used negatively or in a question, it takes the subjunctive, as uncertainty is implied.
50
# Translate to French:
I _hope that_ you _will come_. I _do not hope that_ you _will come_
J'_espère que_ tu _viendras_. Je _n'espère pas que_ tu _viennes_
## Footnote
The affirmative form of *espérer que* takes the indicative, while the negative or interrogative forms take the subjunctive.
51
# Translate to French:
She _has the impression that_ he _is_ sad
Elle *_a l'impression qu'_*il _est_ triste
## Footnote
to have the impression that - *avoir l'impression que*. Note how this expression takes the indicative, not the subjunctive.
52
# Translate to French:
I _admit that_ she _is_ beautiful
J'*_avoue qu'_*elle _est_ belle
## Footnote
to admit, to confess - *avouer*. This verb takes the indicative, not the subjunctive.
53
# Translate to French:
We _hear_ him _doing_ the laundry
Nous *_entendons qu'_*il _fait_ la lessive
## Footnote
The construction *entendre que* takes the indicative, not the subjunctive. Another way of saying this (without the subjunctive) would be *Nous l'entendons faire la lessive*.
54
# Translate to French:
We've *_decided that_* it _is worth_ a try
Nous avons _décider que_ ça _vaut_ le coup d'essayer
## Footnote
*Décider que* takes the indicative. Also note the expression *valoir le coup*, "to be worth it/a shot."
55
# Translate to French:
Paul _demands that_ Maxime _come_
Paul _ordonne que_ Maxime _vienne_
## Footnote
*Ordonner que* requires the subjunctive, since it denotes a command.
56
# Translate to French:
You _write that_ she _wants_ a new bed
Tu *_écris qu'_*elle _veut_ un nouveau lit
## Footnote
The verb *écrire* takes the indicative.
57
# Translate to French:
You _say that_ she _will be_ here. _Are you saying that_ she _will be_ here?
Tu *_dis qu'_*elle _sera_ ici. *_Dis-tu qu'_*elle _soit_ ici?
## Footnote
The affirmative *dire que* takes the indicative. Meanwhile, both its negative and interrogative forms take the subjunctive.
58
# Translate to French:
_It's probable that_ Sophie _knows_ the truth. _It's not probable that_ Sophie _knows_ the truth
_Il est probable que_ Sophie _sait_ la vérité. _Il n'est pas probable que_ Sophie _sache_ la vérité
## Footnote
Since it conveys certainty, the affirmative *il est probable que* should be followed by the indicative. Used negatively (*il n'est pas probable que*) or in a question, it is followed by the subjunctive.
59
# Translate to French:
I always _forget that_ he _lives_ in New York
J'_oublie_ toujours _qu'il habite_ à New York
## Footnote
*Oublier que* takes the indicative, not the subjunctive.
60
# Translate to French:
I _am afraid that_ he _is coming_ to the party
J'*_ai peur qu'_*il _ne vienne_ à la fête
## Footnote
Note the use of the *ne explétif* here. Following certain verbs and expressions that require the subjunctive (like *avoir peur que*), the *ne explétif* is added before the subjunctive verb in the dependent clause. It is not actually negative in meaning.
61
# Translate to French:
I _fear that_ Julie _will come back_
Je _crains que_ Julie _ne revienne_
## Footnote
*Craindre que* requires both the subjunctive and the *ne explétif*. Also note that use of the *ne explétif* is relatively formal but technically and grammatically required.
62
# Translate to French:
You _are preventing him from going_
Tu _empêches qu'il n'aille_
## Footnote
*Empêcher que* requires both the subjunctive and the *ne explétif*.
63
# Translate to French:
He _is afraid that_ I _know_ how to do it. He _is afraid that_ I _do not know_ how to do it
Il _a peur que_ je _ne sache_ le faire. Il _a peur que_ je _ne sache pas_ le faire
## Footnote
In the second sentence, in which the dependent clause is actually meant to be negative, you simply use the regular *ne... pas*. Note the construction *savoir le faire* (rather than *savoir comment le faire*).
64
# Translate to French:
(to a friend) _Prevent them from going_
_Évite qu'ils n'aillent_
## Footnote
*Éviter que* requires both the subjunctive and the *ne explétif*.
65
# Translate to French:
You _deny that_ you _know_ me. _Do you deny that_ you _know_ me?
Tu _nies que_ tu me _connaisses_. _Nies-tu que_ tu _ne_ me _connaisses?_
## Footnote
to deny that - *nier que*. This verb always requires the subjunctive. It uses the *ne explétif* when it's used in its negative (*ne pas nier que*) or interrogative forms.
66
# Translate to French:
We _doubt that_ you guys _are eating_. We _do not doubt that_ you guys _are eating_
On _doute que_ vous _mangiez_. On _ne doute pas que_ vous _ne mangez_
## Footnote
*Douter que*, which implies doubt, takes the subjunctive. The negative *ne pas douter que*, which implies certainty, is followed by the indicative. Note that the negative and interrogative forms of *douter que* take the *ne explétif*. Therefore, in the second sentence, you see the rare pairing of a *ne explétif* with an indicative verb.
67
# Translate to French:
Find our jackets _so that_ we are not cold
Trouve nos blousons _afin que_ nous n'ayons pas froid
## Footnote
so that - *afin que*. Most conjunctions of purpose require the subjunctive.
68
# Translate to French:
Please close the door _so that_ it's not cold
S'il vous plaît, fermez la porte *_pour qu'_*il ne fasse pas froid
## Footnote
so that - *pour que*. *Pour que* and *afin que* can be used interchangeably, and both require the subjunctive.
69
# Translate to French:
She is skipping her class _so that_ she can go to the concert
Elle saute son cours *_de façon qu'_*elle puisse aller au concert
## Footnote
so that, in such a way that - *de façon que*. Two alternatives are *de manière que* and *de sorte que*. All three conjunctions take the subjunctive.
70
# Translate to French:
I didn't say anything _for fear that_ they would get angry at me
Je n'ai rien dit *_de peur qu'_*ils ne se fâchent contre moi
## Footnote
for fear that, lest - *de peur que, de crainte que*. Both expressions require the subjunctive and the *ne explétif*. Note how the present subjunctive is used even though the main verb is in the past tense.
71
# Translate to French:
You need to tell me (it) _before_ Marie leaves
Tu dois me le dire _avant que_ Marie ne parte
## Footnote
before - *avant que*. This conjunction of time requires both the subjunctive and the *ne explétif*.
72
# Translate to French:
I will wait for you guys _until_ you arrive
Je vous attendrai _jusqu'à ce que_ vous arriviez
## Footnote
until - *jusqu'à ce que*. This conjunctive expression takes the subjunctive.
73
# Translate to French:
She went to bed _without_ my knowing
Elle est allée se coucher _sans que_ je ne le sache
## Footnote
without - *sans que*. This phrase takes both the subjunctive and the *ne explétif*.
74
# Translate to French:
Claire does not want to go to the beach _without_ her father knowing
Claire ne veut pas aller à la plage _sans que_ son père ne le sache
## Footnote
Recall that *sans que* requires both the subjunctive and the *ne explétif*.
75
# Translate to French:
_Even though_ it's hot, I am going to run
*_Quoiqu'_*il fasse chaud, je vais courir
## Footnote
although, even though - *quoique*. This phrase of concession must be followed by the subjunctive.
76
# Translate to French:
You guys love him very much _even though_ he is stupid from time to time
Vous l'aimez beaucoup *_bien qu'_*il soit idiot de temps en temps
## Footnote
even though, although, despite - *bien que*. This conjunction of concession must be followed by the subjunctive.
77
# Translate to French:
She won't go _unless_ Jean is coming
Elle n'ira pas _à moins que_ Jean ne vienne
## Footnote
unless - *à moins que*. This expression of condition requires both the subjunctive and the *ne explétif*.
78
# Translate to French:
He will not sing _unless_ someone sings with him
Il ne chantera pas _à moins que_ quelqu'un ne chante avec lui
## Footnote
Recall that *à moins que* requires the *ne explétif*.
79
# Translate to French:
I will play basketball with you, _provided that_ I have some time
Je jouerai au basket avec toi, _pourvu que_ j'aie du temps
## Footnote
provided that, assuming - *pourvu que, à condition que*. Both expressions must be followed by the subjunctive.
80
# Translate to French:
There is a cat and a dog. _The former_ is nice while _the latter_ is mean
Il y a un chat et un chien. _Celui-là_ est gentil tandis que _celui-ci_ est méchant / _Le premier_ est gentil tandis que _l'autre_ est méchant
## Footnote
the former... the latter - *celui-là... celui-ci, le premier... l'autre*. Another way of saying "the latter" is *ce dernier*.
81
# Translate to French:
You have to arrive early, _or else_ you won't find a seat
Tu dois arriver en avance, _sinon_ tu ne trouveras pas de siège
## Footnote
or else, otherwise, if not - *ou bien, sinon*
82
# Translate to French:
_Either_ she was still sleeping, _or_ she didn't want to come, _or_ she was simply (running) late
_Ou bien_ elle dormait toujours, _ou bien_ elle ne voulait pas venir, _ou bien_ elle était simplement en retard
## Footnote
either... or... or - *ou bien... ou bien... ou bien*
83
# Translate to French:
_Now_, it so happens that Marc lives right there
_Or_, il se trouve que Marc habite juste ici
## Footnote
now, yet - *or*. Note the impersonal phrase *il se trouve que*, "it so happens that." It takes the indicative. A similar phrase is *il arrive que*, which means "it sometimes happens that" and which requires the subjunctive.
84
# Translate to French:
We are going to start _after_ they leave
On va commencer *_après qu'_*ils partiront
## Footnote
The conjunctive phrase *après que* takes the indicative. Also note how the future tense is normally used after it, even though the present tense is typically used in English.
85
# Translate to French:
He'll come _as soon as_ I call him
Il viendra _aussitôt que_ je lui téléphonerai
## Footnote
as soon as - *aussitôt que, dès que*. Neither construction requires the subjunctive, but do note how they are typically followed by the future. Also note that *aussitôt* by itself is an adverb meaning "immediately."
86
# Translate to French:
_As long as_ Jean is at your house, he can help you
_Tant que_ Jean est chez toi, il peut t'aider
## Footnote
as long as, while, since - *tant que, puisque*. These phrases do not take the subjunctive.
87
# Translate to French:
I paint _at the same time that_ Marcel does the dishes
Je peins _en même temps que_ Marcel fait la vaisselle
## Footnote
at the same time that/as - *en même temps que*. This construction does not require the subjunctive.
88
# Translate to French:
She is the nicest woman that Marc _knows_
C'est la plus gentille femme que Marc _connaisse_
## Footnote
When a verb follows a superlative expression, it is commonly in the subjunctive. This is because the superlative expression implies a subjective opinion, judgment, or exaggeration.
89
# Translate to French:
It's the only novel that you guys _like_
C'est le seul roman que vous _aimiez_
## Footnote
Note how the subjunctive follows the superlative form of *seul*.
90
# Translate to French:
It's the most beautiful bathing suit that I _see_
C'est le plus beau maillot de bain que je _voie_
## Footnote
Recall that the subjunctive is often used in clauses following superlative expressions.
91
# Translate to French:
_Whatever_ the problem _may be_, we will resolve it
_Quel que soit_ le problème, on va le résoudre
## Footnote
whatever - *quel que*. The subjunctive is used after indefinite constructions like *si...que*, *quoi que*, and *quel que*.
92
# Translate to French:
_Whatever_ you guys _find_, we will examine it
_Quoi que_ vous _trouviez_, nous l'inspecterons
## Footnote
whatever, no matter what - *quoi que*. This indefinite construction should be followed by the subjunctive.
93
# Translate to French:
_However big it may be_, we'll be able to see the whole city
_Si grande qu'elle soit_, on pourra voir toute la ville
## Footnote
however, no matter how - *si... que*. This construction should be followed by the subjunctive.
94
# Translate to French:
_Wherever_ you _are_, he will come join you
_Où que_ tu _sois_, il viendra te rejoindre
## Footnote
wherever - *où que*. This indefinite construction should be followed by the subjunctive.
95
# Translate to French:
_Whoever_ they _are_, we don't like them
*_Qui qu'_*ils _soient_, nous ne les aimons pas
## Footnote
whoever - *qui que*. This indefinite construction should be followed by the subjunctive.
96
# Translate to French:
You can come at _any_ hour
Tu peux venir à _n'importe quelle_ heure
## Footnote
any, no matter what/which - *n'importe quel*. The verb *importer* means both "to import" and "to matter/be important."
97
# Translate to French:
I would do _anything_ for the opportunity/chance to see them
Je ferais _n'importe quoi_ pour avoir la chance de les voir
## Footnote
anything - *n'importe quoi*. Note that this construction is often used in conversation to mean "nonsense."
98
# Translate to French:
_Anyone_ can come watch the match
_N'importe qui_ peut venir voir le match
## Footnote
anyone - *n'importe qui*
99
# Translate to French:
Call me _anytime_
Appelle-moi _n'importe quand_
## Footnote
anytime, whenever - *n'importe quand*
100
# Translate to French:
He will go _anywhere_
Il ira _n'importe où_
## Footnote
anywhere, wherever - *n'importe où*
101
# Translate to French:
_May_ he never _succeed_
Qu'il ne _réussisse_ jamais
## Footnote
Note how the subjunctive can be used as an imperative, normally when the speaker isn't actually addressing the person at whom the command is directed.
102
# Translate to French:
_Long live_ the king!
_Vive_ le roi!
## Footnote
This is arguably the most famous use of the subjunctive as an imperative.
103
# Translate to French:
We are looking for a student who _knows_ how to drive. We know a student who _knows_ how to drive
On cherche un étudiant qui _sache_ conduire. On connait un étudiant qui _sait_ conduire
## Footnote
The subjunctive is employed in relative clauses when the antecedent is indefinite. In the second sentence, the antecedent is definite, (the student is known without any doubt) so the indicative is used.
104
# Translate to French:
I am looking for a friend who _wants_ to come with us
Je cherche un ami qui _veuille_ venir avec nous
## Footnote
The subjunctive is used in the relative clause following the antecedent -- a noun/pronoun denoting something/someone that isn't yet identified or that may not exist. Because this implies doubt, the subjunctive is necessary.
105
# Translate to French:
There is _no one_ who _can_ help you. Here is _someone_ who _can_ help you
Il n'y a _personne_ qui _puisse_ t'aider. Voici _quelqu'un_ qui _peut_ t'aider
## Footnote
The subjunctive is used after *personne*, *quelqu'un*, *quelque chose*, and *rien* when uncertainty is suggested. Note how in the second sentence, the indicative is used.
106
# Translate to French:
I _don't believe he wants_ to go to New York
Je _ne crois pas qu'il veuille_ aller à New York
## Footnote
Recall that *croire* requires the subjunctive only after its negative or interrogative forms.
107
# Translate to French:
(formal) _Do you think (that)_ she _is coming_?
*_Croyez-vous qu'_*elle _vienne_?
## Footnote
Recall that *croire* and *penser* require the subjunctive when used negatively or in a question.
108
# Translate to French:
She _doesn't like that_ he _is saying_ those things
Elle *_n'aime pas qu'_*il _dise_ ces choses
## Footnote
*Aimer que* always requires the subjunctive.
109
# Translate to French:
We _fear that_ they _will take_ what we want
Nous *_craignons qu'_*ils _ne prennent_ ce que nous voulons
## Footnote
Note the placement of (a non-negative) *ne* before the subjunctive verb, since expressions of fear like *craindre que* require both the subjunctive and the *ne explétif*.
110
# Translate to French:
I _am sure that_ he _is_ 40 years old
Je *_suis sûr qu'_*il _a_ 40 ans
## Footnote
The indicative is used here because there is no doubt.
111
# Translate to French:
_It is necessary that_ we _leave_
_Il est nécessaire que_ nous _partions_
## Footnote
The subjunctive is used here because an obligation, demand, or opinion is being expressed.
112
# Translate to French:
_Do you prefer that_ I _pack_ my bags now or later?
_Préfères-tu que_ je _fasse_ mes valises maintenant ou plus tard?
## Footnote
The subjunctive is used here because a desire or preference is being expressed. *Préférer que* always requires the subjunctive.
113
# Translate to French:
She _wants you all to understand_ the book
Elle _veut que vous compreniez_ le livre
## Footnote
The subjunctive is used here because a desire is expressed.
114
# Translate to French:
I wish that I _could go_ to France
Je souhaite _aller_ en France
## Footnote
There are several ways to avoid using the subjunctive. In this case, it would be incorrect to say *Je souhaite que j'aille en France*. If the subject of the main verb and the subject of the verb in the dependent clause are the same, it is better to use an infinitive.
115
# Translate to French:
We must work a lot _so that we succeed_
Nous devons travailler beaucoup _afin de réussir_
## Footnote
Here, the subjunctive (*Nous devons travailler beaucoup afin que nous réussissions*) is avoided in favor of an infinitive.
116
# Translate to French:
We will call you guys before you _arrive_. / We will call you guys before _your arrival_
Nous vous téléphonerons avant que vous _n'arriviez_. / Nous vous téléphonerons avant _votre arrivée_
## Footnote
In the second sentence, the subjunctive is avoided by replacing a clause with an appropriate noun.
117
# Translate to French:
She is happy _to come_
Elle est heureuse _de venir_
## Footnote
Here, the subjunctive (*Elle est heureuse qu'elle vienne*) is avoided because the subject of the main and dependent clauses is the same. Instead, the infinitive is used.
118
# Translate to French:
I allow my dog _to leave_
Je permets que mon chien _parte_. / Je permets _à_ mon chien _de partir_
## Footnote
Both of these sentences are correct. The second avoids the subjunctive by using the preposition *à* before the indirect object, followed by *de* + the infinitive. This method works following all verbs and expressions of command, requirement, or permission.
