Expressions Impersonnelles (Impersonal Expressions)

Learning ObjectivesIdentify the impersonal expressions that trigger the subjunctive mood.Correctly use the subjunctive to express necessity, doubt, and emotion.Tell the difference between expressions of certainty (which use the indicative mood) and expressions of subjectivity (which use the subjunctive mood).Imagine you're planning an outing to the Quebec Winter Carnival with your friends. ❄️ You need to explain what everyone has to do for things to go smoothly. You might say: "Il est essentiel que nous achetions nos billets à l'avance" (It is essential that we buy our tickets in advance) [eel eh-tay-sahn-SYEL kuh noo zah-shuh-TYOHN noh bee-YAY ah lah-VAHNS] or "Il faut que vous preniez des vêtements chauds" (You must take warm clothes) [eel foh kuh voo pruh-NYAY day vet-MAHN shoh]. These...

Impersonal ExpressionWhat It MeansExample in a SentenceIl faut que... (It is necessary that... / One must...) [eel foh kuh]Expresses a necessity or an obligation.Il faut que tu étudies pour ton examen. (You must study for your exam.) [eel foh kuh tew ay-tew-DEE poor tohn eg-za-MAHN]Il est important que... (It is important that...) [eel eh-tahm-por-TAHN kuh]Highlights the importance of an action.Il est important que nous protégions l'environnement. (It is important that we protect the environment.) [eel eh-tahm-por-TAHN kuh noo pro-tay-ZHYOHN lahn-vee-ron-MAHN] 🌳Il est nécessaire que... (It is necessary that...) [eel eh nay-seh-SAIR kuh]Indicates that something is essential.Il est nécessaire que vous arriviez à l'heure. (It is necessary that you arrive on time.) [eel eh nay-seh-SAIR kuh vo...

Rule 1: Expressions of Will, Necessity, Doubt, Emotion + SubjunctiveRule: Impersonal expressions that express a subjective opinion, necessity, doubt, possibility, or emotion are followed by the subjunctive mood. The structure is: Impersonal Expression + que (that) + Subject 2 + Verb in the Subjunctive.Examples:Il faut que (It is necessary that) [eel foh kuh] nous parlions (we speak) [noo par-LYOHN]. (Necessity)C'est dommage que (It's a shame that) [say doh-MAHZH kuh] tu sois (you are) [tew swah] malade (sick) [ma-LAHD]. (Emotion)Il est possible qu' (It is possible that) [eel eh poh-SEE-bluh k]ils viennent (they come) [eel vyen] plus tard (later) [plew tar]. (Doubt/Possibility)Rule 2: Expressions of Certainty or Probability + IndicativeRule: Impersonal expressions that express certainty, a...