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Flashcards in Lesson 17 Deck (118)
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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

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
Q

Translate to French:

He demands that you be on time

A

Il exige que tu sois à l’heure

to demand (that) - exiger (que). Since it conveys a command, exiger que requires the subjunctive.

26
Q

Translate to French:

I permit him to make a meal

A

Je permets qu’il fasse à manger

Permettre que requires the subjunctive.

27
Q

Translate to French:

She suggests (that) we leave soon

A

Elle suggère que nous partions bientôt

Suggérer que requires the subjunctive.

28
Q

Translate to French:

It’s time that we do it

A

Il est temps que nous le fassions

The expression il est temps que conveys a desire or suggestion, and therefore requires the subjunctive.

29
Q

Translate to French:

It’s important that he leave

A

Il est important qu’il parte

The expression il est important que requires the subjunctive.

30
Q

Translate to French:

It’d be better if you guys do it

A

Il vaut mieux que vous le fassiez

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
Q

Translate to French:

It would be better to not go / One should not go

A

Il vaut mieux ne pas y aller

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
Q

Translate to French:

We doubt (that) you guys will eat

A

Nous doutons que vous mangiez

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
Q

Translate to French:

It is not certain that you guys will study

A

Il n’est pas certain que vous étudiiez

Because it conveys a sense of uncertainty, the expression il n’est pas certain que should be followed by the subjunctive.

34
Q

Translate to French:

It is impossible for you to succeed

A

Il est impossible que tu réussisses

As an expression of possibility, il est impossible que requires the subjunctive. The opposite expression, il est possible que, also requires the subjunctive.

35
Q

Translate to French:

It is fair that you guys do it

A

Il est juste que vous le fassiez

As an expression of opinion, il est juste que should be followed by the subjunctive.

36
Q

Translate to French:

It seems he is happy. It seems to me that she is glad

A

Il semble qu’il soit heureux. Il me semble qu’elle est contente

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
Q

Translate to French:

It seems impossible that we will arrive on time

A

Il paraît impossible que nous arrivions à l’heure

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
Q

Translate to French:

It doesn’t seem like you can do it

A

Il ne paraît pas que tu puisses le faire

Il ne paraît pas que requires the subjunctive.

39
Q

Translate to French:

He regrets that the project is not ready

A

Il regrette que le projet ne soit pas prêt

Verbs and expressions of emotion or feeling take the subjunctive. The feeling of regret is at play here.

40
Q

Translate to French:

I like that Jean is so creative

A

J’aime que Jean soit si créatif

As a verb of feeling, aimer que requires the subjunctive.

41
Q

Translate to French:

He is happy that I can see it

A

Il est heureux que je puisse le voir

Être heureux que requires the subjunctive.

42
Q

Translate to French:

He is sad that she is leaving

A

Il est triste qu’elle parte

As an expression of feeling, être triste que requires the subjunctive.

43
Q

Translate to French:

I am embarrassed that you guys are not waiting for us

A

J’ai honte que vous ne nous attendiez pas

The expression avoir honte que takes the subjunctive.

44
Q

Translate to French:

It’s good that Marc wants to work

A

Il est bon que Marc ait envie de travailler

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
Q

Translate to French:

It’s too bad that I can’t see it

A

Il est dommage que je ne puisse pas le voir

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
Q

Translate to French:

He thinks that I understand. He does not believe that I understand

A

Il croit que je comprends. Il ne croit pas que je comprenne

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
Q

Translate to French:

I think that we are going to forget. I do not think that we are going to forget

A

Je pense que nous allons oublier. Je ne pense pas que nous allions oublier

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
Q

Translate to French:

It’s certain that he will be here tonight. It’s not certain that he will be here tonight

A

Il est certain qu’il sera ici ce soir. Il n’est pas certain qu’il soit ici ce soir

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
Q

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?

A

Il est vrai qu’elle sourit. Il n’est pas vrai qu’elle sourie. Est-il vrai qu’elle sourie?

Used affirmatively, il est vrai que takes the indicative. Used negatively or in a question, it takes the subjunctive, as uncertainty is implied.

50
Q

Translate to French:

I hope that you will come. I do not hope that you will come

A

J’espère que tu viendras. Je n’espère pas que tu viennes

The affirmative form of espérer que takes the indicative, while the negative or interrogative forms take the subjunctive.

51
Q

Translate to French:

She has the impression that he is sad

A

Elle a l’impression qu’il est triste

to have the impression that - avoir l’impression que. Note how this expression takes the indicative, not the subjunctive.

52
Q

Translate to French:

I admit that she is beautiful

A

J’avoue qu’elle est belle

to admit, to confess - avouer. This verb takes the indicative, not the subjunctive.

53
Q

Translate to French:

We hear him doing the laundry

A

Nous entendons qu’il fait la lessive

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
Q

Translate to French:

We’ve decided that it is worth a try

A

Nous avons décider que ça vaut le coup d’essayer

Décider que takes the indicative. Also note the expression valoir le coup, “to be worth it/a shot.”

55
Q

Translate to French:

Paul demands that Maxime come

A

Paul ordonne que Maxime vienne

Ordonner que requires the subjunctive, since it denotes a command.

56
Q

Translate to French:

You write that she wants a new bed

A

Tu écris qu’elle veut un nouveau lit

The verb écrire takes the indicative.

57
Q

Translate to French:

You say that she will be here. Are you saying that she will be here?

A

Tu dis qu’elle sera ici. Dis-tu qu’elle soit ici?

The affirmative dire que takes the indicative. Meanwhile, both its negative and interrogative forms take the subjunctive.

58
Q

Translate to French:

It’s probable that Sophie knows the truth. It’s not probable that Sophie knows the truth

A

Il est probable que Sophie sait la vérité. Il n’est pas probable que Sophie sache la vérité

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
Q

Translate to French:

I always forget that he lives in New York

A

J’oublie toujours qu’il habite à New York

Oublier que takes the indicative, not the subjunctive.

60
Q

Translate to French:

I am afraid that he is coming to the party

A

J’ai peur qu’il ne vienne à la fête

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
Q

Translate to French:

I fear that Julie will come back

A

Je crains que Julie ne revienne

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
Q

Translate to French:

You are preventing him from going

A

Tu empêches qu’il n’aille

Empêcher que requires both the subjunctive and the ne explétif.

63
Q

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

A

Il a peur que je ne sache le faire. Il a peur que je ne sache pas le faire

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
Q

Translate to French:

(to a friend) Prevent them from going

A

Évite qu’ils n’aillent

Éviter que requires both the subjunctive and the ne explétif.

65
Q

Translate to French:

You deny that you know me. Do you deny that you know me?

A

Tu nies que tu me connaisses. Nies-tu que tu ne me connaisses?

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
Q

Translate to French:

We doubt that you guys are eating. We do not doubt that you guys are eating

A

On doute que vous mangiez. On ne doute pas que vous ne mangez

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
Q

Translate to French:

Find our jackets so that we are not cold

A

Trouve nos blousons afin que nous n’ayons pas froid

so that - afin que. Most conjunctions of purpose require the subjunctive.

68
Q

Translate to French:

Please close the door so that it’s not cold

A

S’il vous plaît, fermez la porte pour qu’il ne fasse pas froid

so that - pour que. Pour que and afin que can be used interchangeably, and both require the subjunctive.

69
Q

Translate to French:

She is skipping her class so that she can go to the concert

A

Elle saute son cours de façon qu’elle puisse aller au concert

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
Q

Translate to French:

I didn’t say anything for fear that they would get angry at me

A

Je n’ai rien dit de peur qu’ils ne se fâchent contre moi

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
Q

Translate to French:

You need to tell me (it) before Marie leaves

A

Tu dois me le dire avant que Marie ne parte

before - avant que. This conjunction of time requires both the subjunctive and the ne explétif.

72
Q

Translate to French:

I will wait for you guys until you arrive

A

Je vous attendrai jusqu’à ce que vous arriviez

until - jusqu’à ce que. This conjunctive expression takes the subjunctive.

73
Q

Translate to French:

She went to bed without my knowing

A

Elle est allée se coucher sans que je ne le sache

without - sans que. This phrase takes both the subjunctive and the ne explétif.

74
Q

Translate to French:

Claire does not want to go to the beach without her father knowing

A

Claire ne veut pas aller à la plage sans que son père ne le sache

Recall that sans que requires both the subjunctive and the ne explétif.

75
Q

Translate to French:

Even though it’s hot, I am going to run

A

Quoiqu’il fasse chaud, je vais courir

although, even though - quoique. This phrase of concession must be followed by the subjunctive.

76
Q

Translate to French:

You guys love him very much even though he is stupid from time to time

A

Vous l’aimez beaucoup bien qu’il soit idiot de temps en temps

even though, although, despite - bien que. This conjunction of concession must be followed by the subjunctive.

77
Q

Translate to French:

She won’t go unless Jean is coming

A

Elle n’ira pas à moins que Jean ne vienne

unless - à moins que. This expression of condition requires both the subjunctive and the ne explétif.

78
Q

Translate to French:

He will not sing unless someone sings with him

A

Il ne chantera pas à moins que quelqu’un ne chante avec lui

Recall that à moins que requires the ne explétif.

79
Q

Translate to French:

I will play basketball with you, provided that I have some time

A

Je jouerai au basket avec toi, pourvu que j’aie du temps

provided that, assuming - pourvu que, à condition que. Both expressions must be followed by the subjunctive.

80
Q

Translate to French:

There is a cat and a dog. The former is nice while the latter is mean

A

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

the former… the latter - celui-là… celui-ci, le premier… l’autre. Another way of saying “the latter” is ce dernier.

81
Q

Translate to French:

You have to arrive early, or else you won’t find a seat

A

Tu dois arriver en avance, sinon tu ne trouveras pas de siège

or else, otherwise, if not - ou bien, sinon

82
Q

Translate to French:

Either she was still sleeping, or she didn’t want to come, or she was simply (running) late

A

Ou bien elle dormait toujours, ou bien elle ne voulait pas venir, ou bien elle était simplement en retard

either… or… or - ou bien… ou bien… ou bien

83
Q

Translate to French:

Now, it so happens that Marc lives right there

A

Or, il se trouve que Marc habite juste ici

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
Q

Translate to French:

We are going to start after they leave

A

On va commencer après qu’ils partiront

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
Q

Translate to French:

He’ll come as soon as I call him

A

Il viendra aussitôt que je lui téléphonerai

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
Q

Translate to French:

As long as Jean is at your house, he can help you

A

Tant que Jean est chez toi, il peut t’aider

as long as, while, since - tant que, puisque. These phrases do not take the subjunctive.

87
Q

Translate to French:

I paint at the same time that Marcel does the dishes

A

Je peins en même temps que Marcel fait la vaisselle

at the same time that/as - en même temps que. This construction does not require the subjunctive.

88
Q

Translate to French:

She is the nicest woman that Marc knows

A

C’est la plus gentille femme que Marc connaisse

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
Q

Translate to French:

It’s the only novel that you guys like

A

C’est le seul roman que vous aimiez

Note how the subjunctive follows the superlative form of seul.

90
Q

Translate to French:

It’s the most beautiful bathing suit that I see

A

C’est le plus beau maillot de bain que je voie

Recall that the subjunctive is often used in clauses following superlative expressions.

91
Q

Translate to French:

Whatever the problem may be, we will resolve it

A

Quel que soit le problème, on va le résoudre

whatever - quel que. The subjunctive is used after indefinite constructions like si…que, quoi que, and quel que.

92
Q

Translate to French:

Whatever you guys find, we will examine it

A

Quoi que vous trouviez, nous l’inspecterons

whatever, no matter what - quoi que. This indefinite construction should be followed by the subjunctive.

93
Q

Translate to French:

However big it may be, we’ll be able to see the whole city

A

Si grande qu’elle soit, on pourra voir toute la ville

however, no matter how - si… que. This construction should be followed by the subjunctive.

94
Q

Translate to French:

Wherever you are, he will come join you

A

Où que tu sois, il viendra te rejoindre

wherever - où que. This indefinite construction should be followed by the subjunctive.

95
Q

Translate to French:

Whoever they are, we don’t like them

A

Qui qu’ils soient, nous ne les aimons pas

whoever - qui que. This indefinite construction should be followed by the subjunctive.

96
Q

Translate to French:

You can come at any hour

A

Tu peux venir à n’importe quelle heure

any, no matter what/which - n’importe quel. The verb importer means both “to import” and “to matter/be important.”

97
Q

Translate to French:

I would do anything for the opportunity/chance to see them

A

Je ferais n’importe quoi pour avoir la chance de les voir

anything - n’importe quoi. Note that this construction is often used in conversation to mean “nonsense.”

98
Q

Translate to French:

Anyone can come watch the match

A

N’importe qui peut venir voir le match

anyone - n’importe qui

99
Q

Translate to French:

Call me anytime

A

Appelle-moi n’importe quand

anytime, whenever - n’importe quand

100
Q

Translate to French:

He will go anywhere

A

Il ira n’importe où

anywhere, wherever - n’importe où

101
Q

Translate to French:

May he never succeed

A

Qu’il ne réussisse jamais

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
Q

Translate to French:

Long live the king!

A

Vive le roi!

This is arguably the most famous use of the subjunctive as an imperative.

103
Q

Translate to French:

We are looking for a student who knows how to drive. We know a student who knows how to drive

A

On cherche un étudiant qui sache conduire. On connait un étudiant qui sait conduire

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
Q

Translate to French:

I am looking for a friend who wants to come with us

A

Je cherche un ami qui veuille venir avec nous

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
Q

Translate to French:

There is no one who can help you. Here is someone who can help you

A

Il n’y a personne qui puisse t’aider. Voici quelqu’un qui peut t’aider

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
Q

Translate to French:

I don’t believe he wants to go to New York

A

Je ne crois pas qu’il veuille aller à New York

Recall that croire requires the subjunctive only after its negative or interrogative forms.

107
Q

Translate to French:

(formal) Do you think (that) she is coming?

A

Croyez-vous qu’elle vienne?

Recall that croire and penser require the subjunctive when used negatively or in a question.

108
Q

Translate to French:

She doesn’t like that he is saying those things

A

Elle n’aime pas qu’il dise ces choses

Aimer que always requires the subjunctive.

109
Q

Translate to French:

We fear that they will take what we want

A

Nous craignons qu’ils ne prennent ce que nous voulons

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
Q

Translate to French:

I am sure that he is 40 years old

A

Je suis sûr qu’il a 40 ans

The indicative is used here because there is no doubt.

111
Q

Translate to French:

It is necessary that we leave

A

Il est nécessaire que nous partions

The subjunctive is used here because an obligation, demand, or opinion is being expressed.

112
Q

Translate to French:

Do you prefer that I pack my bags now or later?

A

Préfères-tu que je fasse mes valises maintenant ou plus tard?

The subjunctive is used here because a desire or preference is being expressed. Préférer que always requires the subjunctive.

113
Q

Translate to French:

She wants you all to understand the book

A

Elle veut que vous compreniez le livre

The subjunctive is used here because a desire is expressed.

114
Q

Translate to French:

I wish that I could go to France

A

Je souhaite aller en France

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
Q

Translate to French:

We must work a lot so that we succeed

A

Nous devons travailler beaucoup afin de réussir

Here, the subjunctive (Nous devons travailler beaucoup afin que nous réussissions) is avoided in favor of an infinitive.

116
Q

Translate to French:

We will call you guys before you arrive. / We will call you guys before your arrival

A

Nous vous téléphonerons avant que vous n’arriviez. / Nous vous téléphonerons avant votre arrivée

In the second sentence, the subjunctive is avoided by replacing a clause with an appropriate noun.

117
Q

Translate to French:

She is happy to come

A

Elle est heureuse de venir

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
Q

Translate to French:

I allow my dog to leave

A

Je permets que mon chien parte. / Je permets à mon chien de partir

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.