Past and Present Subjunctive
The past subjunctive is governed by all the situations and expressions
governing the present subjunctive (see Usage
of the Subjunctive). The sole nuance consists of knowing when to choose
between the past and present subjunctive. The rules for use are fairly
straightforward:
1. When the time frame of the subjunctive clause is
contemporaneous
with the time frame of the introductory clause, the present subjunctive
is used:
-
Je veux que tu finisses tes devoirs. I want you to
finish your homework.
-
Je voulais que tu finisses tes devoirs. I wanted
you to finish your homework.
-
Je voudrais que tu finisses tes devoirs. I would
like you to finish your homework.
-
J'avais voulu que tu finisses tes devoirs. I had
wanted you to finish your homework.
2. When the time frame of the subjunctive clause precedes the time
frame of the introductory clause, the past subjunctive is used:
-
Je suis content que tu aies pu venir hier.
I am glad that you were able to come over yesterday.
-
Il peut s'inscrire, quoiqu'il ait déjà suivi ce cours.
He can sign up, although he has already taken
this course.
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