The subjunctive in English
Explore how English expresses wishes, demands, and hypothetical situations through a verb form that often goes unnoticed but carries great communicative power. Unlike in Romance languages, this mood in English remains unchanged regardless of the subject, making it both simple in form and subtle in usage. Mastering it will help you sound more natural and precise in formal writing and speech.
The past subjunctive in French
B2Explore how English uses past tense forms to express hypothetical or unreal situations, a structure that parallels the French subjonctif passé in function. Through this category, you will master constructions such as wish + had done or if only + past perfect, which convey regret, speculation, and conditions contrary to past reality. These patterns are essential for expressing nuanced thoughts and achieving a natural, sophisticated level of expression in English.
The present subjunctive in English
B1The present subjunctive is a verb form used in English to express wishes, demands, suggestions, or hypothetical situations, often found in formal or written contexts. It appears in structures such as *I suggest that he be on time* or *It is essential that she attend the meeting*, where the base form of the verb is used regardless of the subject. Mastering this form will help you sound more precise and natural in formal English communication.