Subjonctif présent: formation
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Form the French present subjunctive, from regular parler and finir to two-stem verbs and the irregular forms of être and avoir.
Subjonctif présent: formation
For regular verbs, take the present ils stem without -ent and add -e, -es, -e, -ions, -iez, -ent. Some verbs have two stems or irregular forms; être and avoir need separate learning.
Present subjunctive forms
| Subject | parler | être | avoir |
|---|---|---|---|
| je | parle | sois | aie |
| tu | parles | sois | aies |
| il / elle / on | parle | soit | ait |
| nous | parlions | soyons | ayons |
| vous | parliez | soyez | ayez |
| ils / elles | parlent | soient | aient |
Examples in context
Read the examples and compare their English meanings.
Use it in a conversation
For regular verbs, use the present ils stem without -ent. Two-stem verbs use the present nous stem for subjunctive nous and vous: ils prennent gives prenne, while nous prenons gives prenions. Learn être and avoir separately.
Il faut que vous attendiez ici.
You need to wait here.
Je préfère que nous prenions le train.
I prefer that we take the train.
Common mix-ups
After il faut que, finir takes the subjunctive nous ending -issions.
We need to finish.
Try a reply
Say or write your answer in French before opening the example.
It is necessary for us to choose. Use il faut que and choisir.
Show one possible answer
Il faut que nous choisissions.
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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