Subjonctif vs Infinitif - same subject

In French, sentences often have two parts. The first part sets the mood. The second part describes the action. Usually, these parts are joined by que. For example, "I want that you go." Here, "I" and "you" are different people. This requires the Subjunctive mood. But what if you want to go? You are the subject of both parts. In this case, the word que disappears. The second verb becomes an infinitive. It is just like English "to go." This is the "Same Subject Rule." It simplifies the sentence structure significantly. You don't need to conjugate the second verb. You just use its basic dictionary form. It is like a grammar traffic light. If the subjects match, the light is green. You go straight to the infinitive. If the subjects differ, the light is red. You must stop and use the Subjunctive. Most native speakers prefer the infinitive whenever possible. It sounds cleaner and more direct.

1. 1Identify the subject of the main verb.
2. 2Identify the subject of the second action.
3. 3Compare the two subjects carefully.
4. 4If they are the same person, remove que.
5. 5Place the second verb in the infinitive form.
6. 6Add the preposition de if the first verb requires it.
7. 7Keep the rest of the sentence the same.
8. 8Smile because you avoided a complex conjugation.

Use this rule when expressing your own desires. For example, "I want to eat." Use it when expressing your own feelings. For example, "I am happy to be here." This is perfect for ordering food. You might say Je voudrais commander. It is essential for job interviews too. You could say Je suis ravi de vous voir. Use it when you are unsure of your own plans. For example, Je doute de pouvoir venir. It works with verbs of preference like aimer or préférer. It also works with expressions of regret. For example, Je regrette d'être en retard. Basically, if the "who" doesn't change, use the infinitive. It keeps the focus on your personal experience. It also prevents the sentence from feeling heavy. Yes, even native speakers prefer this for clarity. It is the gold standard for modern French communication.

Do not use the infinitive if the subjects differ. This is the most important distinction. If I want *you* to do something, I need que. For example, Je veux que tu manges. Here, "I" and "you" are different. You cannot say Je veux manger if you mean someone else. This would mean "I want to eat." Also, avoid the infinitive if the meaning becomes unclear. Some specific conjunctions always require que. But for most common verbs, the rule holds firm. If there is a change of heart or person, switch back. If you are talking about a general rule, use que. But for personal actions, stick to the infinitive. It is much simpler for your brain to process. Think of it as a boundary between people. If you stay in your lane, use the infinitive. If you cross into someone else's lane, use que.

Many learners say Je veux que je vienne. This is a classic literal translation error. It sounds very clunky to a French ear. It is like saying "I want that I come." Another mistake is forgetting the preposition de. Some verbs like être content need de before the infinitive. For example, Je suis content d'être ici. Don't forget the apostrophe for vowels either. Another mistake is using the Subjunctive by accident. You might try to show off your grammar skills. But using Subjunctive for the same subject is actually wrong. It makes you sound like a textbook from 1850. Or perhaps like a robot trying to speak French. Keep it simple and use the infinitive. Your French friends will thank you for it. It shows you understand the rhythm of the language.

Compare this to English "want to" versus "want that." In English, we almost always use the infinitive. "I want to go" and "I want him to go." French is more strict about the subject change. If the subject changes, French *must* change the structure. English uses an object pronoun like "him." French uses a whole new clause with que. This is why the same-subject rule is so vital. It is the only time French and English structures align perfectly. When the subjects are different, the languages diverge. When they are the same, they are like long-lost twins. Use this similarity to your advantage as a learner. It is one of the few times your intuition might be right. Just remember to drop the que entirely. Don't let it linger in your sentence like a ghost.