Bien que, pour que, avant que + subjunctive
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Bien que, pour que, avant que + subjunctive
Bien que, pour que, and avant que introduce clauses in the subjunctive. They express concession, purpose, and an event still pending relative to another event. With a shared subject, pour + infinitive or avant de + infinitive is often simpler.
Examples in context
Read the examples and compare their English meanings.
Concession
Bien qu’il fasse froid, nous sortons.
Although it is cold, we are going out.
Purpose
Je parle lentement pour que tu comprennes.
I speak slowly so that you understand.
Common mix-ups
Bien que requires the subjunctive fasse, not the indicative fait.
Although it is cold, we are going out.
Try a reply
Say or write your answer in French before opening the example.
I am closing the door so that you can sleep. Address one friend.
Show one possible answer
Je ferme la porte pour que tu puisses dormir.
Other wording can work too. Compare the verb form, agreement, and word order with the lesson. Then try a sentence about your own day.
Keep practicing
Related grammar
Grammar references
Practice French grammar in context
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