Subjonctif passé: French past subjunctive
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Subjonctif passé: French past subjunctive
The past subjunctive uses avoir or être in the present subjunctive plus a past participle. Use it when a subjunctive-triggering expression refers to an already completed action.
Examples in context
Read the examples and compare their English meanings.
A completed action
Je suis content que tu aies trouvé un appartement.
I am happy that you found an apartment.
With être
Elle regrette que nous soyons partis si tôt.
She regrets that we left so early.
Common mix-ups
The reaction être content que requires the subjunctive; completed réussir gives aies réussi.
I am happy that you succeeded.
Try a reply
Say or write your answer in French before opening the example.
I am happy that you came. Address a female friend; the speaker is also female.
Show one possible answer
Je suis contente que tu sois venue.
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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