Category: French conjugation tip

The Subjunctive is required after “pour que” (so that) and “afin que” (in order that) to express purpose. For example, “Je t’écris pour que tu comprennes” (I am writing to…

The Future Perfect (Futur Antérieur) is used to describe actions that will be completed before a specific time in the future. For example, “J’aurai terminé ce projet d’ici vendredi” (I…

The Conditional is used to express hypothetical outcomes, particularly in “if” clauses. For example, “Si j’avais su, je serais resté” (If I had known, I would have stayed) or “Il…

The Imperative is frequently used to give clear and direct instructions. For example, “Ouvre la fenêtre” (Open the window), “Écoute attentivement” (Listen carefully), or “Éteins la lumière” (Turn off the…

The Subjunctive is used in expressions of regret, such as “je regrette que” (I regret that) or “je suis désolé que” (I am sorry that). For example, “Je regrette qu’il…

The Future Simple is used to talk about long-term plans or goals. For example, “Nous achèterons une maison dans cinq ans” (We will buy a house in five years) or…

The Conditional is commonly used to make polite offers or suggestions. For example, “Je pourrais vous aider” (I could help you) or “Voudriez-vous un café?” (Would you like a coffee?).…

“Avant que” means “before” and requires the Subjunctive. For example, “Pars avant qu’il ne soit trop tard” (Leave before it is too late) or “Je dois terminer cela avant qu’elle…

The Imperfect (Imparfait) is often used to describe emotions or states of being in the past. For example, “J’étais heureux” (I was happy), “Elle avait peur” (She was afraid), or…

The Imperative can be used to express prohibitions or commands not to do something. For example, “Ne parle pas!” (Don’t speak!), “Ne fais pas ça!” (Don’t do that!), or “N’entrez…

The Conditional can be used to express wishes or desires. For example, “J’aimerais voyager autour du monde” (I would like to travel around the world) or “Il voudrait devenir médecin”…

“Jusqu’à ce que” means “until” and requires the Subjunctive. For example, “Attends ici jusqu’à ce que je revienne” (Wait here until I come back) or “Nous travaillerons jusqu’à ce que…

The Imperfect (Imparfait) is often used to describe habitual actions or routines in the past. For example, “Quand j’étais enfant, je jouais dehors tous les jours” (When I was a…

The Future Simple can be used to make assumptions or educated guesses about the future. For example, “Il sera déjà parti” (He must have already left) or “Tu seras fatigué…

“À moins que” means “unless” and requires the Subjunctive. For example, “Je viendrai à moins qu’il ne pleuve” (I will come unless it rains) or “Nous sortirons à moins que…

The Pluperfect (Plus-Que-Parfait) is used to provide background information or to describe an action that occurred before another action in the past. For example, “Il avait déjà mangé quand je…

The Imperative can be used to give warnings or urgent advice. For example, “Attention!” (Be careful!), “Ne touche pas à ça!” (Don’t touch that!), or “Restez prudents!” (Stay safe!). The…

The Subjunctive is used after expressions of possibility, such as “il est possible que” (it is possible that) or “il se peut que” (it may be that). For example, “Il…

The Conditional mood is commonly used to describe hypothetical situations, often introduced by “si” (if). For example, “Si j’étais riche, je voyagerais” (If I were rich, I would travel) or…

The Future Perfect (Futur Antérieur) can also be used to speculate about what might have happened by a certain point in the future. For example, “Il aura probablement terminé avant…