The subjunctive mood in French, with its unique conjugations and complex usage rules, can be a challenge for learners. While it plays a crucial role in expressing doubt, emotion, and possibility, there are several strategies to work around it when needed—though these alternatives might slightly modify the meaning.
Substituting “que” with a Preposition
You can often replace the conjunction “que” with a preposition like “de,” paired with the verb’s infinitive.
- Example:
- Il est important que tu sois à l’heure. → Il est important d’être à l’heure.
- Translation: It’s important that you be on time. → It’s important to be on time.
This approach shifts the sentence from a personal observation to a general statement.
Using Impersonal Expressions
Impersonal verbs allow you to replace “que + subjunctive” with an infinitive construction.
- Example:
- Il faut que tu sois là. → Il (te) faut être là.
- Translation: It’s necessary for you to be there. → It’s necessary (for you) to be there.
Simplifying Conjunctions
For conjunctions requiring the subjunctive, switch “que” to “de” and use the infinitive instead, provided the subject is consistent in both clauses.
- Example:
- On doit travailler avant que l’on ne puisse prendre sa retraite. → On doit travailler avant de pouvoir prendre sa retraite.
- Translation: You need to work before you can retire. → You need to work before retiring.
Transforming Subordinate Clauses into Nouns
In some cases, replace a conjunction-subjunctive structure with a noun for simplicity.
- Example:
- Il est toujours gentil jusqu’à ce que tu arrives. → Il est toujours gentil jusqu’à ton arrivée.
- Translation: He’s always nice until you arrive. → He’s always nice until your arrival.
Replacing “que” with “si” for Doubt
When the subjunctive conveys doubt, you can use “si” instead of “que” and revert to the indicative mood.
- Example:
- Je ne suis pas sûr qu’il soit là. → Je ne suis pas sûr s’il est là.
- Translation: I’m not sure that he’s there. → I’m not sure if he’s there.
Eliminating One Subject
If there are two subjects, consider removing one and using an infinitive.
- Example:
- Il aide pour que tu sois content. → Il aide pour te rendre content.
- Translation: He’s helping so that you will be happy. → He’s helping to make you happy.
Swapping for an Adverb
In certain contexts, replace a subjunctive structure with an adverb to convey the idea.
- Example:
- Il est possible que je vienne. → Je viendrai, peut-être.
- Translation: It’s possible that I’ll come. → I’ll come, maybe.
Turning Negatives into Affirmatives
For expressions requiring the subjunctive only in the negative form, flip the statement to affirmative.
- Example:
- Je ne crois pas qu’il soit là. → Je crois qu’il n’est pas là.
- Translation: I don’t think he’s there. → I think he’s not there.
In Summary
French learners can often find ways to avoid the subjunctive, but it’s important to note the subtle shifts in meaning that might occur. These methods don’t replace the need to learn the subjunctive mood but provide flexibility when it’s acceptable to rephrase.