French Reported Commands: Using the Subjunctive (Reported Speech)
que clause.
Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
When reporting a command or request, use 'que' + the subjunctive mood to express the influence or desire.
- Use 'que' after verbs like 'dire', 'demander', or 'ordonner'. Example: Il m'a dit que je fasse mes devoirs.
- The verb in the subordinate clause must be in the subjunctive. Example: Elle veut que tu viennes.
- If the subject is the same, use 'de' + infinitive instead. Example: Il m'a dit de partir.
Overview
In French grammar, reported speech (le discours rapporté) is not limited to relaying simple statements of fact. When you report a command, a wish, a necessity, or an emotional reaction, the grammatical mood shifts from the indicative to the subjunctive. This structure is essential for expressing the subjectivity and intent behind the original speaker's words.
It is the difference between reporting what someone said versus what they wanted.
At the B2 level, mastering this concept moves your French from merely functional to nuanced and precise. While simpler constructions exist, using que followed by the subjunctive is a hallmark of sophisticated expression, common in professional communication, formal writing, and any situation requiring you to convey another person's will or feelings accurately. This rule governs how you report an order like "Finish the report!" as "He demands that I finish the report" (Il exige que je finisse le rapport), embedding the speaker's volition directly into the grammar of your sentence.
How This Grammar Works
que. These "trigger" verbs express a subjective reality—a will, an emotion, a doubt, or a necessity—rather than an objective, verifiable fact. The action in the subjunctive clause is not presented as an independent reality; it exists only within the context of the desire or feeling expressed in the main clause.- Fact (Indicative):
Il dit que je suis en retard.(He says that I am late.) — This reports a stated fact. - Command (Subjunctive):
Il exige que je sois à l'heure.(He demands that I be on time.) — This reports a will or demand. The state of "being on time" is not a current fact, but a desired outcome.
- Verbs of Will or Command: These express an order, request, or desire for an action to be performed. Examples include
vouloir(to want),exiger(to demand),demander(to ask),ordonner(to order),proposer(to propose),suggérer(to suggest), andinsister pour(to insist).
- Verbs of Wish or Desire: Softer than commands, these express hopes or preferences. Examples include
souhaiter(to wish),désirer(to desire), and expressions likej'aimerais que...(I would like that...).
- Verbs and Expressions of Emotion or Feeling: These report the speaker's emotional reaction to a real or potential event. Examples include
être content/triste/heureux/surpris que(to be happy/sad/happy/surprised that),craindre que(to fear that),avoir peur que(to be afraid that),regretter que(to regret that).
- Impersonal Expressions of Necessity, Opinion, or Possibility: These state that an action is necessary, preferable, or possible. Examples include
il faut que(it is necessary that),il est essentiel que(it is essential that),il vaut mieux que(it is better that),il est possible que(it is possible that).
Formation Pattern
[Subject 1] + [Trigger Verb] + que + [Subject 2] + [Verb in Subjunctive]
Le professeur (Subject 1) veut que les étudiants (Subject 2) fassent (Subjunctive) leurs devoirs.
Je veux réussir. (I want to succeed.)
*Je veux que je réussisse.
Subjonctif Présent)
ils/elles) form in the present indicative, dropping the -ent, and adding the subjunctive endings: -e, -es, -e, -ions, -iez, -ent.
ils form (Indicative) | Stem | que je/j' | que tu | qu'il/elle | que nous | que vous | qu'ils/elles |
parler | parlent | parl- | parle | parles | parle | parlions | parliez | parlent |
finir | finissent | finiss- | finisse | finisses | finisse | finissions | finissiez | finissent |
attendre | attendent | attend- | attende | attendes | attende | attendions | attendiez | attendent |
que je/j' | que tu | qu'il/elle | que nous | que vous | qu'ils/elles |
sois | sois | soit | soyons | soyez | soient |
aie | aies | ait | ayons | ayez | aient |
fasse | fasses | fasse | fassions | fassiez | fassent |
aille | ailles | aille | allions | alliez | aillent |
puisse | puisses | puisse | puissions | puissiez | puissent |
sache | saches | sache | sachions | sachiez | sachent |
Subjonctif Passé)
[avoir/être in Present Subjunctive] + [Past Participle]
Il regrette que tu sois parti si tôt. (He regrets that you left so early.) Here, the leaving happened before the regretting.
La police craint que le voleur n'ait déjà quitté le pays. (The police fear the thief has already left the country.) The act of leaving precedes the fear.
When To Use It
- Formal and Professional Commands: This is common in workplace communication, legal documents, and official instructions where clarity and authority are paramount.
La direction exige que le personnel suive la nouvelle procédure.(Management demands that the staff follow the new procedure.)Le contrat stipule que le locataire paie le loyer avant le cinq de chaque mois.(The contract stipulates that the tenant pay the rent before the fifth of each month.)
- Personal Requests and Wishes: This form is used to express what you want from others in daily life.
J'aimerais que tu fasses un peu moins de bruit le soir.(I'd like you to make a little less noise in the evening.)Mes amis insistent pour que je vienne à leur fête ce week-end.(My friends are insisting that I come to their party this weekend.)
- Expressing Emotions: When reacting to a situation, the subjunctive is mandatory after expressions of feeling.
Je suis tellement content que vous ayez pu venir!(I am so happy that you were able to come!)Notre mère a peur que nous ne soyons pas assez prudents en voyage.(Our mother is afraid that we aren't careful enough when traveling.) Note the optional, formalne explétifwhich can appear after verbs of fearing.
- Impersonal Necessity and Advice:
Il faut queis one of the most common triggers for the subjunctive. Il faut que tu m'envoies les documents dès que possible.(You must send me the documents as soon as possible.)Il vaut mieux que nous discussions de cela en privé.(It's better that we discuss this in private.)
- Doubt and Negated Belief: The subjunctive is crucial for expressing uncertainty. While
penser queandcroire quetake the indicative when affirmative, they trigger the subjunctive when negative or interrogative, as they no longer state a perceived fact. Je pense qu'il a raison.(Indicative: a belief held as fact.)Je ne pense pas qu'il ait raison.(Subjunctive: the truth of his being right is doubted.)Doutes-tu qu'elle sache la vérité?(Subjunctive: her knowing the truth is questioned.)
Common Mistakes
- 1Using the Indicative Instead of the Subjunctive: This is the most frequent error, often caused by direct translation from English or confusion with
dire que. It sounds jarring to a native speaker.
- Mistake:
*Le client veut que nous changeons le design. - Correction:
Le client veut que nous changions le design.(Thenousform of the present subjunctive for-erverbs is-ions.)
- 1Using the Subjunctive When Subjects Are the Same: The
que + subjonctifstructure is exclusively for when two different subjects are involved. For a single subject, the infinitive is mandatory.
- Mistake:
*Je voudrais que je puisse parler couramment français. - Correction:
Je voudrais pouvoir parler couramment français.
- 1Confusing
dire que,dire de, anddemander que: These three have distinct meanings and grammatical structures.
dire que + indicatif: Reports a fact.Il dit qu'il est fatigué.dire à qqn de + infinitif: Reports a command informally.Il me dit de me dépêcher.demander que + subjonctif: Reports a request more formally.Il demande que je me dépêche.
*Il dit que je me dépêche) confuses a statement with a command.- 1Forgetting the Conjunction
que: Unlike in English where "that" can often be omitted,queis never optional in this French structure.
- Mistake:
*Elle a demandé nous restions silencieux. - Correction:
Elle a demandé que nous restions silencieux.
- 1Incorrect Sequence of Tenses (
Concordance des Temps): While the literary imperfect subjunctive is not required for B2 learners, understanding when to use the present vs. past subjunctive is.
- Present Subjunctive for pending/future actions: Use the present subjunctive even if the main verb is in the past, to show the requested action was still to come.
Hier, il a demandé que je vienne aujourd'hui.(Yesterday, he asked that I come today.) - Past Subjunctive for completed actions: Use the past subjunctive for an action that was already completed at the time of the main verb.
Je ne savais pas qu'il eût été malade.(Literary) -> Modern equivalent:Je ne savais pas qu'il avait été malade.In many cases of doubt about a past event, the past indicative is now more common, but after emotional verbs, the past subjunctive is standard:Je suis surpris qu'il ait réussi.(I am surprised that he succeeded.)
Real Conversations
This grammar isn't just for textbooks. You will see and hear it constantly in modern, everyday French. Its level of formality depends on the verb and the context.
- Texting / WhatsApp: Abbreviations are common, but the grammar remains. The tone is often direct.
- La prof veut qu'on lise le chap 5 pr demain. (pr = pour, demain = tomorrow)
- Tu veux que j'apporte quoi ce soir ? (What do you want me to bring tonight?)
- Il faut que tu voies ça, c'est trop drôle! (You have to see this, it's hilarious!)
- Professional Email: The subjunctive is standard for politeness and clarity when making requests.
- Bonjour Madame Dubois, Je vous écris car M. Leclerc souhaiterait que vous présentiez votre projet lors de la réunion de mardi. Serait-il possible que vous nous envoyiez les diapositives à l'avance?
(Hello Ms. Dubois, I am writing because Mr. Leclerc would like you to present your project at Tuesday's meeting. Would it be possible for you to send us the slides in advance?)
- Casual Spoken French: It's fully integrated into daily conversation, especially for making plans or relaying desires.
- - Qu'est-ce qu'on fait pour l'anniversaire de Léo? - Je sais pas, mais il m'a dit qu'il aimerait bien qu'on organise un truc simple à la maison.
(- What are we doing for Leo's birthday? - I don't know, but he told me he'd like us to organize something simple at home.)
- News and Media: Used to report demands, recommendations, or official positions.
- Les syndicats demandent que le gouvernement prenne des mesures immédiates pour protéger le pouvoir d'achat.
(The unions demand that the government take immediate measures to protect purchasing power.)
Quick FAQ
de + infinitif structure instead?For reporting direct commands with verbs like demander or dire, Il m'a demandé de venir is a very common and often more direct alternative to Il a demandé que je vienne. However, this shortcut doesn't work for verbs of emotion (Je suis triste que tu partes), doubt, or impersonal expressions. The que + subjonctif structure is far more versatile and sometimes more formal.
espérer que (to hope that)? Does it take the subjunctive?This is a notorious exception. Grammatically, espérer que takes the indicative in affirmative sentences because it's classified with verbs of opinion and belief (J'espère qu'il fera beau). However, you will often hear native speakers use the subjunctive colloquially. In negative and interrogative forms, the subjunctive becomes more common (Je n'espère pas qu'il pleuve). For exams and formal writing, stick to the indicative.
ne explétif I sometimes see after verbs like craindre que?In formal French, a non-negative ne is often inserted in the subordinate clause after verbs of fearing (craindre que, avoir peur que), prevention (éviter que), and before a comparison (avant que). For example: Je crains qu'il ne soit trop tard. This ne does not make the sentence negative; it's a relic of older French. You should be able to recognize it, but its use in your own B2-level production is optional.
Even if the main verb is in a past tense like the imparfait, the verb in the subordinate clause is typically the present subjunctive if the action being requested was still pending or future from that past viewpoint. For example: Ma mère voulait toujours que nous finissions nos légumes. The imperfect subjunctive (e.g., finissions is actually the present subjunctive nous form, a common point of confusion; imperfect would be finissions) is almost exclusively found in literature and is not expected in B2 spoken or most written French.
ordonner que very formal?Yes, ordonner que is quite strong and implies a formal hierarchy, like a general giving an order or a court ruling. In daily life, demander que, vouloir que, or dire à quelqu'un de faire quelque chose are much more common and less authoritarian.
Subjunctive Verb Endings
| Subject | 1st Group (-er) | 2nd Group (-ir) | 3rd Group (-re) |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Je
|
-e
|
-isse
|
-e
|
|
Tu
|
-es
|
-isses
|
-es
|
|
Il/Elle
|
-e
|
-isse
|
-e
|
|
Nous
|
-ions
|
-issions
|
-ions
|
|
Vous
|
-iez
|
-issiez
|
-iez
|
|
Ils/Elles
|
-ent
|
-issent
|
-ent
|
Meanings
This grammar structure is used to report commands, requests, or advice given by someone else, requiring the subjunctive mood to reflect the influence or desire.
Reporting Orders
Conveying that someone gave a direct order.
“Il a exigé que je finisse le rapport.”
“Elle a ordonné que les enfants se taisent.”
Reporting Requests
Conveying that someone made a polite request.
“Il a demandé que tu viennes avec lui.”
“Elle a souhaité que nous soyons là.”
Reporting Advice/Suggestions
Conveying that someone suggested an action.
“Il a suggéré que nous prenions le train.”
“Elle a conseillé que tu lises ce livre.”
Reference Table
| Form | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Affirmative
|
Verb + que + Subjunctive
|
Il veut que tu partes.
|
|
Negative
|
Verb + que + ne + Subjunctive + pas
|
Il ne veut pas que tu partes.
|
|
Question
|
Est-ce que + Verb + que + Subjunctive?
|
Veut-il que tu partes?
|
|
Same Subject
|
Verb + de + Infinitive
|
Il veut partir.
|
|
Advice
|
Conseiller + que + Subjunctive
|
Il conseille que tu lises.
|
|
Order
|
Ordonner + que + Subjunctive
|
Il ordonne que tu finisses.
|
Formality Spectrum
Il exige que je parte. (Reporting a command)
Il veut que je parte. (Reporting a command)
Il veut que je me casse. (Reporting a command)
Il veut que je dégage. (Reporting a command)
Subjunctive Triggers
Influence
- vouloir to want
- exiger to demand
Advice
- conseiller to advise
- suggérer to suggest
Indicative vs Subjunctive
Decision Process
Same subject?
Examples by Level
Il veut que je parte.
He wants me to leave.
Elle demande que tu viennes.
She asks that you come.
Il dit que nous mangions.
He says we should eat.
Elle veut que vous soyez là.
She wants you to be there.
Le prof demande que nous fassions les devoirs.
The teacher asks that we do the homework.
Il a exigé que je finisse le travail.
He demanded that I finish the work.
Elle a suggéré que nous prenions le bus.
She suggested that we take the bus.
Il veut que tu lises ce livre.
He wants you to read this book.
Il a ordonné que les soldats se tiennent prêts.
He ordered that the soldiers stand ready.
Elle a demandé que vous soyez plus attentifs.
She asked that you be more attentive.
Il a insisté pour que nous venions à l'heure.
He insisted that we come on time.
Elle a souhaité que nous ayons du succès.
She wished that we have success.
Le directeur a exigé que chaque employé soumette son rapport.
The director demanded that every employee submit their report.
Il a fallu que nous fassions un choix difficile.
It was necessary that we make a difficult choice.
Elle a demandé que nous ne soyons pas en retard.
She asked that we not be late.
Il a proposé que nous allions au cinéma.
He proposed that we go to the cinema.
Il a été stipulé que le candidat possède une expérience préalable.
It was stipulated that the candidate possess prior experience.
Elle a requis que nous fassions preuve de discrétion.
She requested that we show discretion.
Il a ordonné que nul ne sorte de la salle.
He ordered that no one leave the room.
Elle a souhaité que nous fussions présents à la cérémonie.
She wished that we were present at the ceremony.
Il a été exigé que les parties concernées se conforment aux règles.
It was demanded that the concerned parties comply with the rules.
Elle a insisté pour que le protocole soit respecté scrupuleusement.
She insisted that the protocol be scrupulously respected.
Il a demandé que nous ne fussions point importunés.
He asked that we not be bothered at all.
Elle a ordonné que tout un chacun se tienne à carreau.
She ordered that everyone behave themselves.
Easily Confused
Learners often use the subjunctive for statements of fact.
Learners use 'que' even when the subject is the same.
Learners think 'penser' triggers the subjunctive.
Common Mistakes
Il veut que tu viens.
Il veut que tu viennes.
Il demande de que tu partes.
Il demande que tu partes.
Elle dit que je pars.
Elle dit que je parte.
Il veut que il vienne.
Il veut qu'il vienne.
Il a ordonné que je finis.
Il a ordonné que je finisse.
Il a demandé de que je vienne.
Il a demandé que je vienne.
Elle suggère que nous prenons.
Elle suggère que nous prenions.
Il a dit qu'il parte.
Il a dit de partir.
Elle a exigé que nous avons fini.
Elle a exigé que nous finissions.
Il a proposé que vous allez.
Il a proposé que vous alliez.
Il a requis que nous fussions partis.
Il a requis que nous partions.
Elle a souhaité que tout le monde est là.
Elle a souhaité que tout le monde soit là.
Il a ordonné que nul ne sort.
Il a ordonné que nul ne sorte.
Sentence Patterns
Il veut que ___ ___ .
Elle a exigé que ___ ___ ___ .
Il a suggéré de ___ .
Le directeur a ordonné que ___ ___ ___ .
Real World Usage
Mon ancien patron a exigé que je sois très organisé.
Il veut que tu viennes vite !
J'ai demandé que le livreur laisse le repas à la porte.
L'hôtel a demandé que nous arrivions avant 18h.
Elle veut que tout le monde partage cette vidéo.
Le professeur a suggéré que nous lisions ce chapitre.
Same Subject Rule
Indicative vs Subjunctive
Master the Irregulars
Tone Matters
Smart Tips
Ask yourself: 'Is the subject of the main verb the same as the subordinate?' If yes, use 'de' + infinitive.
Immediately think 'Subjunctive' for the next verb.
Check if it's affirmative or negative/question. Affirmative = Indicative, Negative/Question = Subjunctive.
Use 'demander' + 'que' + subjunctive for a polite but firm request.
Pronunciation
Subjunctive endings
The -e, -es, -e, -ent endings are silent in speech, so the focus is on the stem.
Elision
Always elide 'que' to 'qu'' before a vowel.
Command tone
Il a dit que tu viennes! ↑
Rising intonation at the end indicates the urgency of the reported command.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Remember 'S.O.D.A.' for Subjunctive: Suggestions, Orders, Desires, Advice.
Visual Association
Imagine a boss (the main verb) pointing at a worker (the subordinate clause). The boss is wearing a 'Subjunctive' hat, forcing the worker to change their form.
Rhyme
When you report a command, don't be bland, use the subjunctive to make it grand!
Story
My boss, Monsieur Lebrun, wanted me to finish the report. He said, 'Je veux que tu finisses.' I tried to say 'tu finis', but he corrected me. Now I always remember: bossy verbs need the subjunctive.
Word Web
Challenge
Write 5 sentences reporting what your friends or family told you to do today using different verbs of influence.
Cultural Notes
The subjunctive is highly valued in formal French and is a marker of education.
In informal Quebecois, the subjunctive is sometimes replaced by the indicative, though standard French rules apply in writing.
The subjunctive is used similarly to standard French, with a strong emphasis on formal politeness.
The French subjunctive descends from the Latin subjunctive, which expressed possibility, desire, or doubt.
Conversation Starters
Qu'est-ce que ton patron a exigé de toi aujourd'hui ?
Qu'est-ce que tes parents veulent que tu fasses ce week-end ?
Si tu étais le président, qu'ordonnerais-tu que les citoyens fassent ?
Qu'est-ce que ton ami a suggéré que vous fassiez ce soir ?
Journal Prompts
Common Mistakes
Test Yourself
Il veut que tu ___ (partir) maintenant.
Which sentence is correct?
Find and fix the mistake:
Elle a exigé que nous finissons le travail.
Original: 'Viens ici!' (Il a dit...)
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
veut / que / je / il / parte
Nous ___ (faire)
Il pense que tu ___ (venir).
Score: /8
Practice Exercises
8 exercisesIl veut que tu ___ (partir) maintenant.
Which sentence is correct?
Find and fix the mistake:
Elle a exigé que nous finissons le travail.
Original: 'Viens ici!' (Il a dit...)
Match: 1. être, 2. avoir, 3. aller, 4. faire
veut / que / je / il / parte
Nous ___ (faire)
Il pense que tu ___ (venir).
Score: /8
Practice Bank
10 exercisesElle souhaite que tu (être) ___ heureux.
que / vienne / veut / Il / je
He wants me to do the laundry.
Select the correct reporting of a wish:
Il ne veut pas que tu pars déjà.
Match these pairs:
Le patron demande que vous (répondre) ___ par mail.
Which sentence sounds most like a rule?
They fear that he won't come.
sois / parents / Mes / que / veulent / je / sage
Score: /10
FAQ (8)
The subjunctive reflects the influence or desire of the speaker, rather than a simple fact.
No, using the indicative after a verb of influence is grammatically incorrect in standard French.
Use 'de' + infinitive. For example, 'Il veut partir'.
Yes, because it expresses a suggestion or influence.
Yes, but informal French might sometimes simplify it, though it's better to use it correctly.
Using the indicative instead of the subjunctive after a verb of influence.
It is very similar, as both languages use the subjunctive for reported commands.
Yes, some dialects might avoid the subjunctive, but it is standard in all formal contexts.
Scaffolded Practice
1
2
3
4
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
Subjuntivo
Spanish has more tenses of the subjunctive (imperfect, pluperfect).
Konjunktiv I
German Konjunktiv I is used for all reported speech, not just commands.
Te-form + kudasai
Japanese lacks a subjunctive mood entirely.
Jussive/Subjunctive mood
Arabic subjunctive is limited to specific particles, not just verbs of influence.
Verb + yao
Chinese has no verb conjugation or mood system.
Subjunctive/Infinitive
English subjunctive is much less common and often replaced by the infinitive.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
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