Subjunctive - After Conjunctions

This grammar pattern needs a specific structure. You usually need two different subjects. Imagine you are talking to a friend. You want them to do something. The first part of the sentence sets the stage. The conjunction acts as the trigger. The second part uses the subjunctive mood. For example: "I speak so that you understand." In French, this requires the subjunctive. The conjunction pour que connects these two ideas. Without two subjects, we use a different rule. We usually use the infinitive instead. This keeps the sentence short and simple. But for complex ideas, the subjunctive is king. It adds nuance to your speech. It shows the relationship between two different people. It is a powerful tool for communication.

1. 1Start with the ils form of the present tense.
2. 2Remove the -ent ending to find the stem.
3. 3For je, add -e to the stem.
4. 4For tu, add -es to the stem.
5. 5For il/elle/on, add -e to the stem.
6. 6For nous, add -ions to the stem.
7. 7For vous, add -iez to the stem.
8. 8For ils/elles, add -ent to the stem.
9. 9Take the verb parler (to speak). The ils form is parlent. The stem is parl-. So, you get que je parle. Now try the verb finir (to finish). The ils form is finissent. The stem is finiss-. You get que tu finisses. Some verbs are irregular, like être or avoir. You must memorize those separately. They are the rebels of the French language. But most verbs follow this simple pattern. Just find that ils form and you are ready.

You use the subjunctive after specific conjunctions. These conjunctions fall into several categories. First, we have Purpose. Use pour que or afin que (so that). Imagine a job interview scenario. You say: "I give my CV so that you read it." Next is Time. Use avant que (before) or jusqu'à ce que (until). For example: "Call me before you leave the office." Then comes Condition. Use à condition que (provided that). Or use à moins que (unless). This is great for making plans. "We will go out unless it rains." We also have Concession. Use bien que or quoique (although). "He is happy although he is tired." Finally, there is Fear. Use de peur que (for fear that). These triggers are very common in French. They help you explain why or when things happen. They add logic to your sentences.

Not every conjunction triggers the subjunctive. This is a common trap for learners. Some conjunctions always take the indicative mood. These deal with facts and certainty. For example, parce que (because) uses the indicative. So does pendant que (while). These words describe things that are definitely happening. Another rule involves the subject of the sentence. If the subject is the same, use the infinitive. Instead of pour que je, use pour + infinitive. For example: "I study to learn." You do not need the subjunctive there. Only use it when the subjects change. There is also a debate about après que (after). Traditionally, it takes the indicative mood. However, many modern speakers use the subjunctive. Stick to the indicative to be safe and formal. It shows you know the classic rules.

The biggest mistake is forgetting the second subject. You cannot use the subjunctive with only one person. Another error is using the wrong verb stem. Always check the ils form, not the nous form. Many people confuse bien que with malgré. Remember that bien que needs a full clause. Malgré only needs a noun after it. Do not forget the que in the conjunction. It is the glue that holds it together. Some learners forget the "ne explétif" after avant que. This ne does not mean "not." It is just a formal decoration for the sentence. You might hear it in movies or news. It sounds very fancy and sophisticated. Finally, do not use the subjunctive for facts. If it is 100% certain, use the indicative. The subjunctive loves the world of "maybe."

Let us compare pour que and parce que. Pour que looks toward the future goal. It uses the subjunctive because the goal is not yet real. Parce que looks back at a cause. It uses the indicative because the cause is a fact. Think of it as Goal vs. Reason. Another contrast is avant que vs. après que. Avant que always triggers the subjunctive mood. It describes something that has not happened yet. Après que describes something that already occurred. That is why it traditionally uses the indicative. It is a matter of timing and reality. Also, compare bien que with pourtant. Bien que starts a dependent clause with a verb. Pourtant (however) starts a new independent sentence. Choosing the right one changes the flow of your speech. It is like choosing the right spice for a meal.