When to use subjunctive commands

Maren W.C1Kwiziq community member

When to use subjunctive commands

I don't see in the lesson where it explains when to use the subjunctive conjugation for commands versus standard imperatif. Thanks!

Asked 4 years ago
CécileNative French expert teacher in KwiziqCorrect answer

Hi Maren, 

As Chris says some imperatives sound like subjunctives

Sache que je suis très en colère!= Know that I am furious!

Soyez à l'heure! Be on time!

Ayez un peu de patience! Be a bit more patient!

But these are the verbs, savoir, être, and avoir in the imperative mood, not the subjunctive.

Bonne Continuation!

Chris W.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor

You don't use the subjunctive for commands. Only a few verbs (être, avoir and savoir  that I know of) are irregular in the sense that their imperative is formed like the subjunctive, without actually being the subjunctive.

Maren W. asked:

When to use subjunctive commands

I don't see in the lesson where it explains when to use the subjunctive conjugation for commands versus standard imperatif. Thanks!

Sign in to submit your answer

Don't have an account yet? Join today

Ask a question

Find your French level for FREE

Test your French to the CEFR standard

Find your French level
Let me take a look at that...