Français III – Leçon 7B Structures - The subjunctive (part 4) - Review of the subjunctive

The subjunctive (Part 4) The subjunctive with conjunctions Conjunctions are words or phrases that connect other words and clauses in sentences. We’re going on a picnic unless it rains. Certain conjunctions commonly introduce adverbial clauses, which describe how, why, when, and where an action takes place.

The following are conjunctions that require the subjunctive: Conjunctions that express a condition upon which an action is dependent are followed by the subjunctive form of the verb. The following are conjunctions that require the subjunctive: on the condition that…/ provided that… à condition que… à moins que… unless…

avant que… before… jusqu’à ce que… until… pour que… so that… sans que… without…

Je vous laisse la clé à condition que vous me la rendiez. MAIN CLAUSE SUBORDINATE CLAUSE CONJUNCTION Je vous laisse la clé à condition que vous me la rendiez. (I’ll leave you the key provided that you return it to me.) Nous n’irons pas au cinéma à moins que tu viennes avec nous. (We won’t go to the cinema unless you come with us.) Elle me montre les photos pour que je connaisse sa famille. (She shows me the pictures so that I get to know her family.)

avant que  avant de sans que  sans pour que  pour When the subject of the main clause is the same as the subject of the subordinate clause, use the infinitive after these frequently used conjunctions. Note the change in their forms. avant que  avant de sans que  sans pour que  pour Je lis avant de m’endormir. Elle travaille pour gagner de l’argent. (I read before falling asleep.) (She works in order to earn some money.)

REVIEW OF THE SUBJUNCTIVE Since leçon 6A, you have been learning about the subjunctive. Because there is no exact English equivalent of the subjunctive in French, do not rely on exact translation. Learn to recognize the context and cues that trigger the subjunctive. (To review, go back and study the charts and verb forms (one-stem, two-stem, and the irregular forms) from leçons 6A, 6B, 7A & 7B.

Certain expressions trigger the subjunctive in the subordinate clause when the subject of the main clause is different. SUBJUNCTIVE TRIGGER IN MAIN CLAUSE SUBJUNCTIVE IN SUBORDINATE CLAUSE Verb or expression of opinion Il est bon que Djamel conduise. It is good (that) Djamel drives. Il est essentiel que les élèves fassent leurs devoirs. Verb or expression of necessity or obligation It’s essential that students do their homework. Verb or expression of will or emotion Nous avons peur que vous ayez trop de travail. We’re afraid (that) you have too much work.

Verb or expression of doubt, Disbelief, or uncertainty Tu ne crois pas que nous soyons américaines. You don’t believe (that) we’re American. Conjunction Il chantera à condition que tu saches jouer du piano. He’ll sing provided that you know how to play the piano.

Use the indicative in the subordinate clause when there is an expression of belief, certainty or truth in the main clause. Je crois que nous sommes à l’heure. Je doute que nous soyons en retard. but I believe (that) we’re on time. I doubt (that) we’re late. Use the infinitive when the subject of the main clause is the same as that of the subordinate clause. Préfères-tu jouer de la guitare? Nous sommes ici pour voir l’auteur. Do you prefer to play the guitar? We’re here to see the author.