What are the different moods in French?

The mood of a verb reflects the speaker’s purpose or the context of the action, such as whether it is a statement, an order or a possibility.

Note that verbs conjugate differently depending on the mood they take. Most verbs we use take the indicatif, but it's important to learn when to use the other moods, as well as why we use them.

The different moods in French are as follows:

We use the indicatif to talk about factual statements, actions and things that have happen, will happen or are happening. The indicative is the most common mood used in French.

Elle travaille tous les jours. - She works every day.

Nous avons fini le projet. - We finished the project.

We use the subjonctif to express doubt, desire, emotion, opinion, necessity, possibility and uncertainty.

Je veux qu’il réussisse. - I want him to succeed.

Je ne suis pas certaine qu'elle vienne - I'm not sure she's coming .

To understand how we conjugate subjunctives, see Lessons 30 and 31 of The Complete French Course.

We use the conditionnel to express hypotheticals. It is also sometimes used as a form of politeness.

Si j’étais riche, je voyagerais autour du monde. - If I were rich, I would travel around the world.

Je prendrais un café, s’il vous plaît. - I would like (take) a coffee, please.

The Impératif is used to issue commands, orders, requests or advice.

Ferme la porte. - Close the door.Allons-y ! - Let’s go!

The following moods are impersonal moods, which means they never change form.

The infinitive is the base, unconjugated form of a verb.

J’aime chanter. - I like to sing.

Il est important de partir maintenant. - It’s important to leave now.

The Participe is an adjectival form of a verb used to form compound tenses:

Ils ont parlé toute la nuit. - They talked all night. (participe passé)

Un enfant pleurant peut attirer l'attention. - A crying child can attract attention. (participe présent )

We use the Gérondif to describe simultaneous action, or explain why or how something happens. It is typically preceded by 'en':

Il lisait un livre en mangeant,.- he was reading a book while eating.

Elle apprend en faisant des erreurs. - She learns by making mistakes.