Subjunctive
For moody French lovers
The French subjunctive can be extremely daunting - there's a heck of a lot to learn and remember. 📜 Plus, at first it just seems kind of weird, right? But like everything else, the subjunctive can be mastered with good lessons, quality practice, and a fair amount of time. And there's a pretty good hint right in the name:
The subjunctive is often required for subjective situations. 💭
Today’s issue of Lawless French à fond dives into this complicated verb mood, with detailed lessons on everything to do with the French subjunctive.
Prerequisites
The subjunctive is an intermediate+ grammar concept, and to understand it, you need a solid foundation in two more basic concepts. 🏁
What are subordinating conjunctions?
Subjunctive Lessons
With the prerequisites firmly in hand, it's time to submerge yourself in the nitty gritty.
⚠️ The subjunctive is not a verb tense - it's a mood.*
Conjugations
The conjugations are a bit tricky, it's true. But learning the patterns definitely helps.
Uses
The subjunctive is used a lot. A lot! It's not formal or special in any way; it's a vital verb form that you need to master. These lessons break down the different triggers that (might) call for the subjunctive.
Subjunctive Hacks
By now it should be very clear that the subjunctive is a vast topic that can't be easily summed up in a tidy little lesson. But here are a few things that can help.
Emoojis
It's not remotely comprehensive, but here's a fun meme I made with emoojis** to help you remember when you need the subjunctive.
The Ultimate Tool
When you find yourself wondering, "Does ... need the subjunctive?" ask The Subjunctivisor! 😎
Need to Know
You absolutely have to learn when and how to use the subjunctive.*** But sometimes it's ok to avoid it.
* Subjunctive Tenses
The subjunctive is a verb mood, and it has four tenses - though only the first two are used in everyday French. The others are limited to literature and very formal situations.
** Emoojis = mood emojis, 'cuz the subjunctive is a verb mood - get it? 😜
*** Il faut absolument que tu apprennes quand et comment utiliser le subjonctif.
Quiz Time
See how you do with some fill-in-the-blanks quizzes. The first three are on the present subjunctive, the last also includes the past subjunctive.
Want more? 💪 Take a look at these PwLF super study lists: you can test against them over and over, or save them as notebooks.
Listening Practice
Practice your listening comprehension with these audio articles featuring some subjunctive phrases.
Vacances mémorables B2
Laurence and Arnaud go on a dream vacation to celebrate 5 years together.
J'attends, de Ben Mazué & Pomme C1
Beautiful song about uncertainly in a long-term relationship.
Hommage à Jeanne d'Arc B1
Sing along to the subjunctive song!
Dictées
Challenge yourself by writing or typing what you hear.
Level B2
Level C1
🙋 B1 - B2 - C1 ?
These are 3 of the 6 CEFR proficiency levels.
Writing
Put your knowledge of the subjunctive - and lots of other grammar and vocab - to the test with these translation exercises from Progress with Lawless French.
Level B2
Level C1
Juste pour rigoler
Comic courtesy of Malachi Ray Rempen, ItchyFeetComic.com
💗 Remerciements
Thanks for reading Lawless French à fond - see you in two weeks!
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