#65 : Introduction - subjonctif I
Grammar to go!
Finally, I discovered subjonctif. As always, it is time to share my understanding with you as another French learner. You know it is not always easy to understand the explanation of native speakers who know the rules by heart, non?
Just a heads up, I'm not a professional teacher, but rather another learner. The information I share might not be entirely accurate.
What is Subjunctive?
Before we delve into it, let’s have a look at the definition of subjunctive:
of, relating to, or constituting a verb form or set of verb forms that represents a denoted act or state not as fact but as contingent or possible or viewed emotionally (as with doubt or desire).
Okay.. honestly do you understand? I would go deeper with the definition again.
Origine of Indicative and Subjunctive
I am sure that you have heard from a French class, you use ‘subjonctif’ or ‘indicatif’. Let us have a look at the origine of these two :
Indicative: From the Latin word indicativus, meaning "serving to point out or indicate."
Subjunctive: From the Latin word subjunctivus, meaning "subjoined or dependent," and related to sub (under) + jungere(to join).
Can you think of words related to "indicative" and "subjunctive"? For example, "indicative" reminds me of "indicate," and "subjunctive" makes me think of "subjective."
Indicative ← Indicate : Objective facts or reality. Something concrete.
Subjunctive ← Subjective : Opinions, emotions, or things that are not guaranteed. Something abstract or dependent.
Does this make it easier to understand? It's often easier to grasp something when we explore each definition and understand its origins, rather than approaching it without context!
Does subjunctive exist in English?
Surprisingly, YES. However, unlike French, English doesn’t have a specific subjunctive verb form.
This link explains the concept of the subjunctive in English. You will realise that you already have an understanding of what the "subjunctive" is. Recognising how this concept exists in your own language can make it easier to grasp!
What is the difference between French subjonctif and English subjunctive?
Unlike English, French has a specific verb form for the subjunctive. What does that mean? In short, when a clause expresses possibility, subjectivity, or uncertainty—things that are “subjunctive”—you need to use the subjunctive verb form, which is a special set of verbs that follow these expressions.
Yes, you need to memorise these verbs. I will cover this in another post, where I'll explain how to conjugate them and highlight the irregular subjunctive forms.
For example, here are subjunctive sentences in French.
Je veux qu’il vienne. (I want him to come.)
Does it have a subjective element? → YES → Vouloir : expresses a desire, not a fact.
Is there a subjective verb form? → YES → Vienne : is the subjunctive present form of Venir that we need to memorise (it's something English doesn't have).
Je doute que le supermarché ait des baguettes. (I doubt the supermarket has baguettes.)
Does it have a subjective element? → YES → Doute : expresses a doubt, not a fact.
Is there a subjective verb form? → YES → ait : is the subjunctive present form of Avoir.
Are you ready to learn more about the subjunctive? Is it a bit clearer now? For me, I still have a long way to go, but preparing this post has also helped me understand it better. From now on, I’ll unravel the subjunctive step by step, post by post. Stay tuned!
