What is the difference between indicatif and Subjonctif?
Unlike the indicative which expresses a reality – a certainty, the subjunctive evokes the unreal or subjectivity. It is used to express: a wish: “J’aimerais qu’il fasse plus chaud !” (“I wish it was hotter!”) a fear: “J’ai peur qu’il perde.” (“I’m afraid he’ll lose.”)
What are subjunctive phrases in French?
29 French Subjunctive Phrases
- il faut que – it’s necessary.
- il vaut mieux que – it’s better.
- il est/ c’est important que – it’s important.
- il est / c’est dommage que – it’s too bad.
- il est / c’est impossible – it’s impossible that.
- il est / c’est possible que – it’s possible that.
How do you know when to use the subjunctive in French?
Quick Recap
- The subjunctive is used to express varied states of unreality or uncertainty like some kind of judgment, wish, possibility, opinion, doubt, emotion, or something that has not occurred yet.
- The subjunctive appears after certain words and conjunctions that have two parts and two different subjects.
What does indicatif mean in French?
The French indicative mood, le mode indicatif or simply l’indicatif, is the most common of the four French verb moods and is used when discussing facts or certainties.
Does “Il semble” need the French subjunctive?
The French expression Il me (te, lui…) semble means “it seems to me (you, him…) that,” and it may require the subjunctive, depending on whether it is used affirmatively, negatively or interrogatively. When used affirmatively, il me semble que does not require the subjunctive.
Does the French verb ‘souhaiter’ need the subjunctive?
The French verb “souhaiter que” (“to hope that”) needs the subjunctive because it expresses things that are subjective or otherwise uncertain.
Does the French term ‘Avant que’ need the subjunctive?
The French term avant que means “before.” It is a conjunction, and it requires the subjunctive.