Super easy trigger phrases for the subjunctive in French

When it comes to using the subjunctive in French (or any language), somehow we fell things get complicated. Not only should we know how to conjugate this tense but we should also know when to apply it. Therefore, if we need to learn or review how to conjugate this specific mood (it's not a tense), all I have to do is go to this post:

Simple Subjunctive "I want you to" in French

Today, we will focus on when you should be prepared to apply the subjunctive. How? The answer is to identify some trigger phrases. Once you know them, you won’t be lost.

What are the subjunctive triggers for the subjunctive in French?

In the first place, let’s explain what a trigger is: it’s something that will generate a specific reaction. In our case, whenever you see the triggers in this lesson, you’ll want to conjugate your verb with the subjunctive.

Be careful, sometimes the subjunctive looks just like the present tense for certain regular verbs. One tip for you is to change the pronoun and apply it to “nous” or “vous”. We will see a clear illustration of this in the next section of this post.

Therefore, memorise these easy trigger phrases, write them on a sticky note if necessary and practise with them.

“Jusqu’à ce que” requires the subjunctive.

The word “until” is “jusqu’à (ce que)”. This expression of time triggers the subjunctive. Let’s have an example:

• J’attends jusqu’à ce que tu arrives >>> I’ll wait until you get here.

Here, it’s really hard to see that we have a subjunctive since it’s the exact same verb of the present tense. That’s why you’d better change the pronoun to double-check it’s a subjunctive.

• J’attends jusqu’à ce que vous arriviez >>> I’ll wait until you get here.

The extra “i” is the proof of the subjunctive.

The nice thing is that you might well have already been using the subjunctive without actually realising it! 

3 ways to say “so that” in French with the subjunctive.

Sometimes, French is “richer” than English and it gives you several options for an idea, a word, a structure…It can be the same in English.

To express the consequence with “so that” in French, you have 3 trigger phrases for the subjunctive:

• pour que / qu’

• afin que / qu’
• de sorte que / qu’

They all mean the same and have a similar structure. Indeed, they demand the subjunctive mode. Don't forget . . . you will need the apostrophe in case the word following “que” starts with a vowel or an “h”.

• Je sors les chiens pour qu’ils puissent faire pipi >>> I’ll let the dogs out so (that) they can have a pee.
• Je sors les chiens afin qu’ils puissent faire pipi >>> I’ll let the dogs out so (that) they can have a pee.
• Je sors les chiens de sorte qu’ils puissent faire pipi >>> I’ll let the dogs out so (that) they can have a pee.

So, in this case, pick the one you prefer and/ or learn the 3 of them in order to vary your vocabulary and show off your skills!

How to use the French phrase “À moins que”.

The simple English word “unless” is translated by 3 words in French: “à moins que”. 

Again, this French phrase requires the subjunctive.

• Il ne sortira pas à moins qu’il ne fasse beau >>> He won’t go out unless it’s nice weather.
• Elle ira à Paris à moins qu’il y ait un problème >>> She will go to Paris unless there’s a problem. 

2 observations about this special structure:

First, you can switch “à moins que” with “si”  or “s’”(if) and make the logical changes like this:

• Il sortira s’il fait beau >>> He will go out if it’s nice weather.
• Elle ira à Paris s’il n’y a pas de problème >>> She will go to Paris if there’s no problem. 

Then, note that in the second part of the first sentence, there’s a structure that looks like the negative form. It’s not! See that there’s no “pas” after your verb. It’s what we call “explétif”. It’s just for the style in order to express the negative idea behind it.

French phrases triggering the subjunctive.

In this post, we have seen some “easy” trigger phrases but there are a lot of them. You simply conjugate with the subjunctive and learn them little by little only when you have memorised the previous one.

Here are other phrases that require the subjunctive:

• avant que >>> before
• quoique >>> although
• bien que >>> even though
• pourvu que >>> provided
• de peur que >>> for fear that
• sans que >>> without  

 Now, the subjunctive shouldn’t be a mystery for you because you are aware of the main structures requiring this complex tense.

However, sometimes it’s possible for you to avoid it like with “à moins que” replaced with “si” and a positive structure.

Come on into Simply French Family in Facebook and get creative - tag me in your post and I will help you write! (Don't forget to answer the entry questions . . . no bots allowed!)

So, what are your favourite French trigger phrases? Come and share them in there!