Subjunctive after emotion — identify and understand

Subjunctive after emotion: progressive explanation, topic-specific examples, guided exercises and a corrected assessment.

Duration: 25 minPrerequisites: subjonctif-volonte-produirePass mark: 80%

1. Objective

By the end, you will identify and explain “Subjunctive after emotion” in new examples.

2. Discover

Read the examples for “Subjunctive after emotion — identify and understand” as language you might use today. What clue helps you choose the right structure?

3. Understand

After an emotion or affective judgement, “que” often introduces a clause in the subjunctive. Identify the emotion first, then the situation causing it.

Je suis content que tu sois là.Elle est triste que son frère parte si tôt.Nous sommes surpris qu’il connaisse déjà la réponse.Ils ont peur que le train soit annulé.Tu regrettes qu’elle ne puisse pas venir.Je suis soulagé que tout se passe bien.

Watch out

Start with the subject and time reference. Only then choose the tense or verb form: word-for-word translation often leads to the wrong tense.

4. Guided practice

5. Independent practice

6. Write / speak

Write three sentences you could genuinely say or send. Change the subject, context and at least one lexical element.

7. Check your learning

8. Remember

After an emotion or affective judgement, “que” often introduces a clause in the subjunctive.

Download worksheet (PDF)

9. Now I can…

I can recognise “Subjunctive after emotion” in a new example.
I can justify my choice and create an example.