B1 French GrammarSubjunctive and Conditional
Master the French subjunctive mood for expressing wishes and emotions, and the conditional for hypothetical situations.
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1Conditional Formation
The conditional uses future stem + imparfait endings: -ais, -ais, -ait, -ions, -iez, -aient.
Conditional Endings
| Person | Ending | Parler | English |
|---|---|---|---|
| je | -ais | parlerais | I would speak |
| tu | -ais | parlerais | you would speak |
| il/elle | -ait | parlerait | he/she would speak |
| nous | -ions | parlerions | we would speak |
| vous | -iez | parleriez | you would speak |
| ils/elles | -aient | parleraient | they would speak |
Examples
Je voudrais un café.
I would like a coffee.
polite request
Nous aimerions voyager.
We would like to travel.
wish/desire
Il pourrait nous aider.
He could help us.
possibility
Ce serait super!
That would be great!
être → ser-
2Si-Clauses with Conditional
Use si + imparfait in the condition, and conditional in the result clause.
Si-Clause Patterns
| Type | Si-Clause | Result | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Possible | si + présent | futur/présent | Si tu viens, on mangera |
| Unreal present | si + imparfait | conditionnel | Si j'avais, j'achèterais |
| Unreal past | si + plus-que-parfait | cond. passé | Si j'avais su... |
Examples
Si j'avais de l'argent, j'achèterais une voiture.
If I had money, I would buy a car.
unreal present
Si tu venais, on serait content.
If you came, we would be happy.
imparfait + conditional
Si elle étudiait plus, elle réussirait.
If she studied more, she would succeed.
hypothetical
Que ferais-tu si tu gagnais au loto?
What would you do if you won the lottery?
hypothetical question
3Subjunctive Formation
Form the subjunctive from the ils/elles stem + endings: -e, -es, -e, -ions, -iez, -ent. Usually after 'que'.
Subjunctive Endings
| Person | Ending | Parler | English |
|---|---|---|---|
| que je | -e | parle | that I speak |
| que tu | -es | parles | that you speak |
| qu'il/elle | -e | parle | that he/she speak |
| que nous | -ions | parlions | that we speak |
| que vous | -iez | parliez | that you speak |
| qu'ils/elles | -ent | parlent | that they speak |
Examples
Il faut que je parte.
I have to leave.
il faut que + subjunctive
Je veux que tu viennes.
I want you to come.
vouloir que + subj.
Il est important que nous comprenions.
It's important that we understand.
importance + subj.
Bien que ce soit difficile, j'essaie.
Although it's difficult, I try.
bien que + subjunctive
4When to Use Subjunctive
Use subjunctive after expressions of emotion, doubt, wish, necessity, and certain conjunctions.
Subjunctive Triggers
| Category | Expressions |
|---|---|
| Emotion | Je suis content que, J'ai peur que |
| Will/Wish | Je veux que, Je souhaite que |
| Doubt | Je doute que, Il est possible que |
| Necessity | Il faut que, Il est nécessaire que |
| Conjunctions | bien que, avant que, pour que |
Examples
Je suis content que tu sois lĂ .
I'm happy that you're here.
emotion + subj.
Je doute qu'il vienne.
I doubt that he'll come.
doubt + subj.
Avant que tu partes, appelle-moi.
Before you leave, call me.
avant que + subj.
Pour que tu comprennes, je répète.
So that you understand, I'll repeat.
pour que + subj.
Practice Exercises
5 exercises
How do you form the conditional tense?
What's the polite way to say 'I want a coffee'?
In 'Si j'avais de l'argent, j'achèterais une voiture', what tense is 'avais'?
Complete: 'Ce ___ super!' (That would be great!)
Which triggers the subjunctive mood?
See Real Examples in Stories
Now that you've practiced, see this grammar in context
“Je voudrais de la glace, dit Anna.”
“'La prime annuelle totale pour l'assurance tous risques serait de huit cents euros,' annonça-t-il.”
“'Ce serait super !' répond Maria joyeusement.”
“Le médecin dit qu'elle ne pourrait pas jouer pendant deux mois.”
Practice with B1 Stories
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