B1 · Intermediate Chapter 7

Common Irregular Verbs: Part 2

5 Total Rules
52 examples
7 min
Rules in This Chapter Quick Practice

Chapter in 30 Seconds

Master the five 'power verbs' of the French subjunctive to express your deepest wishes and possibilities.

  • Conjugate five major irregular verbs in the subjunctive mood.
  • Identify stem changes in verbs like 'prendre' and 'venir'.
  • Express wishes, knowledge, and ability with natural native-like phrasing.
Unlock the emotional heart of French conversation.

What You'll Learn

Hey friend! Ready to make your French way more exciting? This chapter is a big step, but don't worry, it's easier than you think and will truly help you speak like a real French person! In this section, you'll get familiar with 5 of the most important irregular French verbs that are essential for expressing your wishes, possibilities, and desires. You'll learn how to use verbs like pouvoir (to be able to), savoir (to know), vouloir (to want), prendre (to take), and venir (to come) in the subjunctive mood – that 'mood of feelings and desires.' For example, imagine you want to tell your friend: 'I want him to come' or 'I hope you can do this.' These verbs are your saviors right here! You'll discover how the verb stems change (like prenne or vienne), which isn't complicated at all and will make you sound much more natural and fluent. After this chapter, you'll be able to express your desires and feelings much more precisely and confidently in various situations, whether you're planning something with a French friend or ordering at a cafe. Ready to take your French to the next level and shine? Let's go!

Learning Objectives

By the end of this chapter, you will be able to:

  1. 1
    By the end you will be able to express possibilities using the irregular stem 'puiss-' for pouvoir.
  2. 2
    By the end you will be able to correctly use 'sache' and 'veuille' to express hopes and requirements regarding knowledge and will.
  3. 3
    By the end you will be able to manage the double-consonant stem changes in 'prendre' and 'venir' in the subjunctive.

Chapter Guide

Overview

Welcome back, future French fluency champion! You're diving into "Common Irregular Verbs: Part 2," a crucial step in mastering French grammar B1. This chapter is designed to make your French sound incredibly natural and expressive, moving beyond basic communication to truly convey your feelings, wishes, and possibilities. We're focusing on five powerhouse irregular French verbs: pouvoir (to be able to), savoir (to know), vouloir (to want), prendre (to take), and venir (to come). Understanding these verbs, especially in the French subjunctive mood, is a hallmark of B1 French proficiency and will significantly elevate your conversational skills.
The French subjunctive might seem intimidating at first, but it's essentially the "mood of feelings and desires." It's what you use when you're not stating a fact, but rather expressing a wish, doubt, emotion, or necessity. By the end of this guide, you'll comfortably use phrases like "I want you to come" or "I hope she can do it" – expressions that are fundamental to everyday French. We'll explore how their unique stems (like prenne or vienne) make them irregular, but also predictable once you know the patterns. Get ready to unlock a new level of nuance and confidence in your French!

How This Grammar Works

At the heart of this chapter is the French subjunctive, a grammatical mood used to express subjectivity, emotion, doubt, desire, or obligation. It's often triggered by specific conjunctions (like que - that) or verbs expressing these sentiments. For the verbs we're covering, the stem often changes significantly from their infinitive form.
Let's break down the rules for each:
French Subjunctive: The 'Can-Do' Mood (pouvoir)
The subjunctive of pouvoir (to be able to/can) is essential for expressing possibilities or abilities, often with a nuance of desire or doubt. Its stem is puiss- for all forms except *nous* and *vous*, which use puissions and puissiez.
* que je puisse (that I can/may)
* que tu puisses (that you can/may)
* qu'il/elle/on puisse (that he/she/one can/may)
* que nous puissions (that we can/may)
* que vous puissiez (that you can/may)
* qu'ils/elles puissent (that they can/may)
* Example: Il faut que je puisse t'aider. (It is necessary that I can help you.)
French Irregular Subjunctive: To Know (savoir)
The subjunctive of savoir (to know a fact/how to do something) uses the stem sach-.
* que je sache (that I know)
* que tu saches (that you know)
* qu'il/elle/on sache (that he/she/one knows)
* que nous sachions (that we know)
* que vous sachiez (that you know)
* qu'ils/elles sachent (that they know)
* Example: Je doute qu'il sache la vérité. (I doubt that he knows the truth.)
French Wishes: The Irregular Subjunctive of 'Vouloir' (vouloir)
The subjunctive of vouloir (to want) is crucial for expressing desires. Its stem is veuill-.
* que je veuille (that I want)
* que tu veuilles (that you want)
* qu'il/elle/on veuille (that he/she/one wants)
* que nous voulions (that we want) (Note the change for *nous*/*vous*)
* que vous vouliez (that you want)
* qu'ils/elles veuillent (that they want)
* Example: Je veux que tu veuilles venir. (I want you to want to come.)
French Subjunctive: Irregular Stems (prendre)
For prendre (to take), the subjunctive stem is prenn- for *je, tu, il/elle/on, ils/elles*, but prenions and preniez for *nous* and *vous*.
* que je prenne (that I take)
* que tu prennes (that you take)
* qu'il/elle/on prenne (that he/she/one takes)
* que nous prenions (that we take)
* que vous preniez (that you take)
* qu'ils/elles prennent (that they take)
* Example: Il est important que nous prenions une décision. (It is important that we make a decision.)
French Coming & Going: The Subjunctive of 'Venir'
The subjunctive of venir (to come) uses the stem vienn- for *je, tu, il/elle/on, ils/elles*, but venions and veniez for *nous* and *vous*.
* que je vienne (that I come)
* que tu viennes (that you come)
* qu'il/elle/on vienne (that he/she/one comes)
* que nous venions (that we come)
* que vous veniez (that you come)
* qu'ils/elles viennent (that they come)
* Example: J'espère qu'elle vienne à la fête. (I hope that she comes to the party.)
These irregular stems are common, and with practice, you'll start to recognize their patterns. Notice how *nous* and *vous* forms often retain a more regular-looking stem, similar to their imperfect indicative forms.

Common Mistakes

  1. 1✗ Wrong: "Je veux qu'il veut venir."
✓ Correct: "Je veux qu'il veuille venir."
*Explanation:* After verbs expressing desire like vouloir + que, you *must* use the subjunctive in the second clause. The indicative veut is incorrect here.
  1. 1✗ Wrong: "Il est essentiel que nous prenons le temps."
✓ Correct: "Il est essentiel que nous prenions le temps."
*Explanation:* The phrase il est essentiel que triggers the subjunctive. The correct *nous* form for the subjunctive of prendre is prenions, not the indicative prenons.
  1. 1✗ Wrong: "Je ne crois pas qu'il sait la réponse."
✓ Correct: "Je ne crois pas qu'il sache la réponse."
*Explanation:* Expressions of doubt or disbelief (like ne pas croire que) require the subjunctive. The correct subjunctive form for il of savoir is sache, not the indicative sait.

Real Conversations

A

A

J'aimerais que tu puisses venir à la réunion demain. (I would like you to be able to come to the meeting tomorrow.)
B

B

Je ne suis pas sûr que je puisse me libérer. (I'm not sure that I can free myself up.)
A

A

Il faut que nous prenions nos responsabilités. (It is necessary that we take our responsibilities.)
B

B

Oui, et je souhaite que tout le monde vienne avec des idées. (Yes, and I hope that everyone comes with ideas.)
A

A

Est-ce que tu penses qu'il veuille vraiment faire ça ? (Do you think that he really wants to do that?)
B

B

Je doute qu'il sache ce qu'il veut. (I doubt that he knows what he wants.)

Quick FAQ

Q

When do I *really* need to use the subjunctive in B1 French?

You primarily use the subjunctive after expressions of emotion (e.g., être content que, être triste que), doubt or opinion (e.g., douter que, ne pas croire que), desire or will (e.g., vouloir que, souhaiter que), necessity or obligation (e.g., il faut que, il est important que), and certain conjunctions (e.g., bien que, avant que).

Q

Are these the only irregular subjunctive verbs I need to know for B1 French grammar?

While these five (pouvoir, savoir, vouloir, prendre, venir) are among the most frequent and important for B1 French, there are other irregular subjunctive verbs (like faire, aller, être, avoir). Mastering these five gives you a fantastic foundation!

Q

How can I remember these irregular stems for the French subjunctive?

A great trick is to remember that the *je, tu, il/elle/on, ils/elles* forms of the subjunctive often (though not always) use the same stem as the *ils/elles* form of the present indicative. For nous and vous, the stem often resembles the imperfect indicative. Consistent practice and exposure are key!

Q

What's the difference between savoir and connaître in the subjunctive?

The distinction remains the same as in the indicative. Savoir (subjunctive: sache) means "to know a fact" or "to know how to do something." Connaître (subjunctive: connaisse) means "to know a person, place, or to be familiar with something." For example, Je doute qu'il sache la réponse. (I doubt he knows the answer.) vs. Je ne crois pas qu'elle connaisse mon ami. (I don't believe she knows my friend.)

Cultural Context

In real-life French conversations, the subjunctive, especially with these common verbs, adds a layer of politeness, nuance, and sophistication. Native speakers use it constantly to express desires, doubts, or requests in a less direct, more considerate way. While very informal spoken French might sometimes omit the subjunctive in certain contexts, mastering it is crucial for sounding educated and truly fluent. It’s a core component of expressing complex thoughts and emotions, making your French much richer and more authentic.

Key Examples (8)

1

Il faut que je puisse finir ce projet ce soir.

I need to be able to finish this project tonight.

French Subjunctive: The 'Can-Do' Mood (pouvoir)
2

Je veux que tu puisses profiter de tes vacances.

I want you to be able to enjoy your holidays.

French Subjunctive: The 'Can-Do' Mood (pouvoir)
3

Il faut que je `sache` la réponse avant demain.

I need to know the answer before tomorrow.

French Irregular Subjunctive: To Know (savoir)
4

Je veux que tu `saches` que je suis là pour toi.

I want you to know that I am here for you.

French Irregular Subjunctive: To Know (savoir)
5

Il faut que je veuille réussir pour y arriver.

I have to want to succeed to get there.

French Wishes: The Irregular Subjunctive of 'Vouloir' (vouille)
6

Je veux que tu veuilles bien m'aider avec ce post.

I want you to be willing to help me with this post.

French Wishes: The Irregular Subjunctive of 'Vouloir' (vouille)
7

Il faut que je prenne mon chargeur.

I need to take my charger.

French Subjunctive: Irregular Stems (prendre)
8

Je veux que tu prennes cette photo pour mon Insta.

I want you to take this photo for my Instagram.

French Subjunctive: Irregular Stems (prendre)

Tips & Tricks (4)

💡

Spot the Trigger

Always look for 'que' after verbs of emotion or doubt.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: French Subjunctive: The 'Can-Do' Mood (pouvoir)
💡

Focus on the stem

Always remember the 'sach-' stem. It is the key to everything.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: French Irregular Subjunctive: To Know (savoir)
💡

Stem Check

Always check if it's nous/vous before choosing the stem.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: French Wishes: The Irregular Subjunctive of 'Vouloir' (vouille)
💡

The 'Que' Rule

Always look for the 'que' after a trigger. It's your signal that the subjunctive is coming.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: French Subjunctive: Irregular Stems (prendre)

Key Vocabulary (6)

souhaiter to wish il faut que it is necessary that la décision the decision ensemble together le courage the courage le chemin the path/way

Real-World Preview

party-popper

Planning a Surprise Party

Review Summary

  • puiss + endings
  • sach + endings
  • veuill + endings (boot) / voul (nous/vous)
  • prenn + endings (boot) / pren (nous/vous)
  • vienn + endings (boot) / ven (nous/vous)

Common Mistakes

After 'vouloir que', you must use the subjunctive, not the indicative 'peux'. The stem for 'pouvoir' is always 'puiss-'.

Wrong: Je veux que tu peux venir.
Correct: Je veux que tu puisses venir.

Wait, this is actually a common mistake where students use 'sais' instead of 'sache'. Remember: 'savoir' is completely irregular in the subjunctive.

Wrong: Il faut que tu saches la réponse.
Correct: Il faut que tu saches la réponse.

Don't forget the double 'n' in 'vienne' and 'prenne'. Without the second 'n', the pronunciation and spelling are incorrect.

Wrong: Je souhaite qu'il viene demain.
Correct: Je souhaite qu'il vienne demain.

Next Steps

You've just conquered some of the most difficult stems in the French language. Your ability to express nuance and emotion has grown tremendously today. Keep it up!

Write 5 'I want...' sentences using each verb.

Record yourself saying 'Je souhaite que vous sachiez...' to practice the liaison.

Continue to: Expressing What Must Be Done

Quick Practice (10)

Find the error.

Find and fix the mistake:

Il faut que tu prendes ce chemin.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: prendes
Should be 'prennes'.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: French Subjunctive: Irregular Stems (prendre)

Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'pouvoir'.

Je veux que tu ___ venir.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: puisses
After 'je veux que', we need the subjunctive.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: French Subjunctive: The 'Can-Do' Mood (pouvoir)

Choose the correct form.

Il faut que nous ___ la réponse.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: sachions
The 'nous' form of the subjunctive is 'sachions'.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: French Irregular Subjunctive: To Know (savoir)

Choose the correct form.

Il faut que nous ___ (vouloir) réussir.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: voulions
Nous uses 'voul-'.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: French Wishes: The Irregular Subjunctive of 'Vouloir' (vouille)

Correct the mistake.

Find and fix the mistake:

Il faut que nous viennions.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Il faut que nous venions.
The 'nous' form uses the 'ven-' stem.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: French Coming & Going: The Subjunctive of 'Venir'

Fill in the blank.

Je veux que tu ___ (vouloir) venir.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: veuilles
Singular uses 'veuill-'.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: French Wishes: The Irregular Subjunctive of 'Vouloir' (vouille)

Choose the correct form.

Je doute qu'ils ___.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: viennent
The 'ils' form uses the 'vienn-' stem and '-ent' ending.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: French Coming & Going: The Subjunctive of 'Venir'

Choose the correct form.

Pour autant que je ___.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: sache
The 'je' form of the subjunctive is 'sache'.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: French Irregular Subjunctive: To Know (savoir)

Conjugate 'savoir' in the subjunctive.

Il est nécessaire qu'elle ___.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: sache
The 'elle' form of the subjunctive is 'sache'.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: French Irregular Subjunctive: To Know (savoir)

Choose the correct sentence.

Which is correct?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Il faut que tu viennes.
The 'tu' form uses the 'vienn-' stem and '-es' ending.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: French Coming & Going: The Subjunctive of 'Venir'

Score: /10

Common Questions (6)

It is an irregular verb. The stem 'puiss-' is historical.
Only in the subjunctive form 'puisse'.
It is a common verb that kept its unique stem 'sach-' from Old French.
No, that is grammatically incorrect. You must use the subjunctive 'sache'.
It's a high-frequency verb that retained old patterns.
No, that is incorrect.
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Common Irregular Verbs: Part 1
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Expressing What Must Be Done
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