L'imparfait du sub

This tense works like a bridge between emotions and the past. In French, the subjonctif is used for things that aren't facts. It is for feelings, doubts, and wishes. Usually, we use the subjonctif présent. But what if the whole story happened a long time ago? In old books, if the first part of the sentence is in the past, the second part must be in the imparfait du subjonctif. It follows the rule of "sequence of tenses." If your main verb is in the passé composé or imparfait, this fancy tense steps in. It keeps the "vibe" of the past consistent throughout the sentence. Think of it like a grammar traffic light. It tells the reader, "We are still in the world of past emotions!" Modern French has mostly replaced this with the simple subjunctive. However, knowing how it works helps you unlock classic French culture.

1. 1To build this tense, you need a secret ingredient: the passé simple. Don't worry, you don't need to master the passé simple yet. You just need to see the pattern. Here is how you do it:
2. 2Find the passé simple form for the tu (you) version of the verb.
3. 3Drop the final s from that word. This is your new base.
4. 4Add the special endings for the imparfait du subjonctif.
5. 5The endings are usually:
6. 6For je: -sse
7. 7For tu: -sses
8. 8For il/elle: -t (but you must add a "hat" or circumflex ^ on the vowel before it!)
9. 9For nous: -ssions
10. 10For vous: -ssiez
11. 11For ils/elles: -ssent
12. 12For example, with the verb parler (to speak), the tu form in passé simple is parlas. Drop the s to get parla-. Now add the endings: je parlasse, tu parlasses, il parlât. It sounds a bit like a snake hissing with all those "ss" sounds, doesn't it?

Use this tense when you want to sound extremely formal. It is perfect for writing a historical novel or a very serious speech. Imagine you are in a job interview for a position as a royal historian. You might say, "It was necessary that I spoke with the King." In French, that would be: Il fallait que je parlasse au Roi.

• Use it after verbs of emotion (fear, joy, sadness) in the past.
• Use it after verbs of doubt or desire in the past.
• Use it in formal letters if you want to be incredibly polite.
• Use it when reading books by Victor Hugo or Gustave Flaubert.

It adds a layer of sophistication to your writing. It shows you respect the traditional rules of the French language.

Do NOT use this at the grocery store. If you ask for milk using the imparfait du subjonctif, the cashier might think you are joking. Do not use it when texting your friends. It will make you look like you are trying too hard. In modern, everyday French, we just use the subjonctif présent instead. Even if the first verb is in the past, we usually say: Il voulait que je vienne (He wanted me to come). We rarely say: Il voulait que je vinsse. Avoid it in casual emails, blog posts, or daily conversations. It is like wearing a ball gown to a pizza party. It is beautiful, but it just doesn't fit the setting.

The biggest mistake is forgetting the "hat" (circumflex) on the il/elle form. It is qu'il fût, not qu'il fut. That little ^ makes a huge difference! Another mistake is using the wrong stem. People often try to use the present tense stem. Remember, this tense loves the passé simple stem. Also, don't over-hiss! Some learners add too many "s" sounds where they don't belong. Finally, don't use it in speech unless you are giving a very formal lecture. If you use it accidentally in a cafe, just smile and pretend you are a poet. Most people will be too impressed or confused to correct you anyway.

How is this different from the subjonctif présent? The subjonctif présent is for now or the future. Il faut que je parte means "I must leave now." The imparfait du subjonctif is for the past in a formal context. Il fallut qu'il partît means "It was necessary that he left." It is also different from the imparfait (the regular past). The regular imparfait describes facts or habits: Je mangeais (I was eating). The imparfait du subjonctif describes things that might not have happened: Bien qu'il mangeât... (Although he was eating...). One is for reality, the other is for the "maybe" world of the past.