Subjonctif imparfait : verbes en -er

The subjonctif imparfait follows a specific trigger system. Just like the regular subjunctive, it needs two different subjects. You also need a verb of emotion, doubt, or necessity. The big difference here is the main verb's tense. If the first verb is in a past tense, this tense appears. In modern spoken French, we usually just use the present subjunctive. But in formal writing, this tense is the gold standard. It keeps the timeline of the sentence perfectly balanced. It is like a grammar traffic light for formal stories. It tells the reader exactly when things are happening. You are showing respect for the traditional rules of French. It is a sign of a very high education level.

1. 1Forming this tense is actually quite logical once you see it. You need to know the passé simple first. Don't panic; we only need one specific form. Follow these three simple steps for -er verbs:
2. 2Find the il/elle form of the passé simple. For parler, it is il parla.
3. 3Use this as your base for all subjects.
4. 4Add the specific endings: -sse, -sses, -^t, -ssions, -ssiez, -ssent.
5. 5Wait, did you see that little hat on the il form? That is a circumflex accent. It always goes on the vowel before the t. For example, il parla becomes qu'il parlât. It sounds exactly the same, but it looks very fancy. It is like putting a tiny crown on the verb. For nous and vous, the endings get quite long. Nous parlassions sounds like a lot of 's' sounds, right? It is very rhythmic and musical.

You use this tense in very specific formal scenarios. Imagine you are writing a formal letter to a French university. Or perhaps you are reading a beautiful novel by Victor Hugo. It appears when the main clause is in the past. For example: "I wanted him to speak." In formal French, this becomes Je voulais qu'il parlât. It shows a high level of precision in your writing. You might use it in a high-stakes job interview. It proves you have mastered the deepest parts of French. Use it when you want to sound poetic or extremely polite. It is the language of diplomacy and classic literature. If you want to impress a French professor, this is your secret weapon.

Do not use this at the grocery store. People will look at you like you are a time traveler. It is far too formal for casual texting with friends. In daily life, just use the subjonctif présent. If you say Je voulais qu'il parlasse at a party, it's a bit much. It is like wearing a ball gown to a backyard barbecue. Avoid it in casual emails or quick phone calls. Stick to the modern way of speaking for everyday tasks. This tense is for the page, not the street. Save it for your masterpiece novel or a formal speech. Even many French people avoid it in spoken conversation today. It is a tool for specific, high-level contexts only.

The most common mistake is forgetting the circumflex accent. That little ^ on the il/elle/on form is mandatory. Without it, it looks like the passé simple. Another mistake is using the wrong radical. Remember, you must start with the passé simple form. Some people try to use the present tense stem. That will lead to very strange-sounding words. Don't mix up the nous and vous endings with the imperfect. They look similar but have extra 's' letters. Nous parlions is imperfect; nous parlassions is subjunctive. It is a subtle difference that matters in writing. Yes, even native speakers mess this up sometimes! Just take your time with the spelling.

How does this differ from the subjonctif présent? The present version is for the here and now. Il faut qu'il parle (He must speak). The imperfect version is for the past or formal conditions. Il fallait qu'il parlât (It was necessary that he speak). It also differs from the imparfait indicative. The indicative is for facts and habits in the past. The subjunctive is for feelings, doubts, and possibilities. Think of the indicative as a photograph of the past. Think of the subjunctive as a dream or a wish about it. One is objective; the other is subjective and formal. They live in different worlds of the French language.