French Subjunctive Conjugations - Regular Verbs

Overview

The French subjunctive conjugations, while challenging in their use, follow a relatively easy pattern to conjugate for regular verbs. This guide focuses on the process for conjugating regular -er, -ir, and -re verbs, as well as some irregular verbs.

Conjugation Process

1. Start with the Present Tense ils Form:
   • Use the present tense conjugation of the verb's ils form.
2. Remove the Ending:
   • Drop the ent ending to obtain the subjunctive stem.
3. Add Subjunctive Endings:
   • Append the appropriate subjunctive endings to the stem.

Subjunctive Endings

• que je/j’ -e
• que tu -es
• qu’il/elle -e
• que nous -ions
• que vous -iez
• qu’ils/elles -ent

Examples

• Aimer (to like)
  • Ils aiment → Aim- → que j’aime
• Finir (to finish)
  • Ils finissent → Finiss- → que je finisse
• Vendre (to sell)
  • Ils vendent → Vend- → que je vende
• Partir (to leave)
  • Ils partent → Part- → que je parte
• Couvrir (to cover)
  • Ils couvrent → Couvr- → que je couvre
• Mettre (to put)
  • Ils mettent → Mett- → que je mette

Irregular Verbs

• Many irregular verbs like partir and couvrir (ir verbs), and mettre (re verbs) follow the regular subjunctive pattern.
• Note that some irregular verbs have unique subjunctive conjugations.

Usage Tips

• For -er verbs, the singular and third person plural subjunctive forms are the same as the indicative, making them a safer choice when unsure about needing the subjunctive.

Additional Resources

• Quizzes: Test your subjunctive skills with fill-in-the-blank exercises.
• Further Study: Explore topics such as "What is the subjunctive?" and "Irregular subjunctive conjugations."
• Lesson Plans: Resources for teachers and learners to deepen understanding of the subjunctive mood.

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Conclusion

This guide provides a comprehensive understanding of how to conjugate regular French verbs in the subjunctive mood, with resources to further your study and practice of this important aspect of French grammar.