French Subjunctive in Daily Conversations

Common Daily Uses

The subjunctive appears frequently in everyday French conversations, often in simple but important phrases.

Making Suggestions

1. "Il vaut mieux que..." (It's better that...) "Il vaut mieux que tu prennes le train" (It's better that you take the train)

   • Uses subjunctive "prennes" for recommendations

2. "Je suggère que..." (I suggest that...) "Je suggère que nous mangions ici" (I suggest we eat here)

   • Uses subjunctive "mangions" for suggestions

Expressing Feelings

1. Happy/Sad: "Je suis triste qu'il parte" (I'm sad that he's leaving)

   • Uses subjunctive "parte" after emotional expression

2. Afraid/Worried: "J'ai peur qu'il pleuve" (I'm afraid it might rain)

   • Uses subjunctive "pleuve" for uncertainty and worry

Daily Requirements

1. At Work: "Le patron exige que vous soyez à l'heure" (The boss requires that you be on time)

   • Uses subjunctive "soyez" for requirements

2. At School: "Le professeur demande que nous finissions le devoir" (The teacher asks that we finish the homework)

   • Uses subjunctive "finissions" for requests

Social Situations

1. Making Plans: "Il faut que je te voie ce weekend" (I need to see you this weekend)

   • Uses subjunctive "voie" for necessity

2. Giving Advice: "Je recommande que tu prennes un parapluie" (I recommend that you take an umbrella)

   • Uses subjunctive "prennes" for recommendations

Common Phrases Using Subjunctive

1. "Avant que..." (Before...) "Avant qu'il ne parte" (Before he leaves)

   • Uses subjunctive for timing not yet realized

2. "Pour que..." (So that...) "Je parle lentement pour que tu comprennes" (I speak slowly so that you understand)

   • Uses subjunctive for purpose

Restaurant Scenarios

1. Ordering: "Il faut que je sache ce que tu veux commander" (I need to know what you want to order)

   • Uses subjunctive "sache" after "il faut que"

2. Recommendations: "Je propose que nous prenions le menu du jour" (I propose we take the daily special)

   • Uses subjunctive "prenions" for proposals

Travel Situations

1. Planning: "Il est essentiel que nous réservions tôt" (It's essential that we book early)

   • Uses subjunctive "réservions" for importance

2. Concerns: "Je crains qu'il n'y ait plus de places" (I fear there might not be any seats left)

   • Uses subjunctive "ait" for worry

In real conversations, the subjunctive often appears naturally in these everyday situations without needing to think about grammar rules.