Learning the subjunctive mood in French can be tough. Even people who have some experience might make some common mistakes. Let’s break down these mistakes so you can avoid them.
One big mistake is using the subjunctive mood in the wrong situations.
The subjunctive is used when you want to show doubt, desire, emotions, needs, or uncertainty.
A common error is using it when the indicative mood should be used instead.
Example:
In this case, penser (to think) shows certainty, so you need the indicative mood.
Another mistake is missing the verbs that tell you when to use the subjunctive.
Some common trigger verbs are vouloir (to want), avoir peur que (to be afraid that), douter que (to doubt that), and il faut que (it is necessary that).
Example:
Here, you should be using ailles instead of vas.
Conjugating (changing) verbs for the subjunctive can be tricky.
A common mistake is using the wrong endings. The present subjunctive is made by using the third-person plural form of the present indicative. You drop the -ent ending and add these endings: -e, -es, -e, -ions, -iez, -ent.
Example:
Remember, the ending changes depending on the subject.
Sometimes, people forget to use que, which is really important when starting a subjunctive clause.
Example:
Make sure to include que to show that what comes next is part of a subjunctive clause.
Another frequent mistake is using the subjunctive with verbs that show certainty, like savoir (to know) or croire (to believe).
Example:
Since these verbs show certainty, use the indicative mood instead.
Learners often confuse when to use the subjunctive and when to use the infinitive.
The infinitive form stays the same no matter who is doing the action, while the subjunctive changes with the subject.
Example:
Remember, aller needs a subject change.
Finally, sometimes people forget to use the subjunctive when they need it.
Example:
When you talk about feelings or desires, you should use the subjunctive.
By avoiding these common mistakes, you can handle the French subjunctive much better. Practice makes perfect, so keep reviewing what you’ve learned. Don’t worry about making mistakes along the way; they are part of learning! Good luck!
Learning the subjunctive mood in French can be tough. Even people who have some experience might make some common mistakes. Let’s break down these mistakes so you can avoid them.
One big mistake is using the subjunctive mood in the wrong situations.
The subjunctive is used when you want to show doubt, desire, emotions, needs, or uncertainty.
A common error is using it when the indicative mood should be used instead.
Example:
In this case, penser (to think) shows certainty, so you need the indicative mood.
Another mistake is missing the verbs that tell you when to use the subjunctive.
Some common trigger verbs are vouloir (to want), avoir peur que (to be afraid that), douter que (to doubt that), and il faut que (it is necessary that).
Example:
Here, you should be using ailles instead of vas.
Conjugating (changing) verbs for the subjunctive can be tricky.
A common mistake is using the wrong endings. The present subjunctive is made by using the third-person plural form of the present indicative. You drop the -ent ending and add these endings: -e, -es, -e, -ions, -iez, -ent.
Example:
Remember, the ending changes depending on the subject.
Sometimes, people forget to use que, which is really important when starting a subjunctive clause.
Example:
Make sure to include que to show that what comes next is part of a subjunctive clause.
Another frequent mistake is using the subjunctive with verbs that show certainty, like savoir (to know) or croire (to believe).
Example:
Since these verbs show certainty, use the indicative mood instead.
Learners often confuse when to use the subjunctive and when to use the infinitive.
The infinitive form stays the same no matter who is doing the action, while the subjunctive changes with the subject.
Example:
Remember, aller needs a subject change.
Finally, sometimes people forget to use the subjunctive when they need it.
Example:
When you talk about feelings or desires, you should use the subjunctive.
By avoiding these common mistakes, you can handle the French subjunctive much better. Practice makes perfect, so keep reviewing what you’ve learned. Don’t worry about making mistakes along the way; they are part of learning! Good luck!