French grammar · Upper intermediate (B2)
Bien que, à condition que, à moins que: conjunctions and the subjunctive
Which linking words take the subjunctive, which take the indicative, when to use an infinitive instead, and the ne of formal writing.
Conjunctions that take the subjunctive
Some linking words () are always followed by the subjunctive, because the idea after them is not presented as a plain fact: it is conceded, a condition, an aim or something that hasn't happened yet.
| Conjunction | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| although | ||
| on condition that, provided that | ||
| as long as | ||
| unless | ||
| so that | ||
| before | ||
| without | ||
| until |
Same subject: use an infinitive
When both parts of the sentence have the same subject, most of these conjunctions are replaced by a preposition + infinitive: (not ). has no infinitive form, so it keeps the subjunctive:
| Different subjects | Same subject |
|---|---|
| + subjunctive | + infinitive |
| + subjunctive | + infinitive |
| + subjunctive | + infinitive |
| + subjunctive | + infinitive |
| + subjunctive | + infinitive |
Conjunctions that take the indicative
Many other conjunctions take the ordinary indicative, because they introduce facts: (even if), , , , (whereas, while), and . is the one to watch: it looks like in meaning, but never takes the subjunctive.
(after) takes the indicative in careful French: . You will often hear the subjunctive after it in speech, but the indicative is the standard form.
- Même s'il pleut, on sort.Even if it rains, we're going out.
- Bien qu'il pleuve, on sort.Although it's raining, we're going out.
The ne of formal writing
After , and , formal French often adds a that has no negative meaning: , , . You need to recognise it, but you never have to use it. A real negative still needs : (unless you don't want to come).