The past subjunctive is used to express an uncertain or desired action that is prior to another action. It is often employed in subordinate clauses following expressions of doubt, necessity, feeling, or judgment that require the subjunctive.
Formation of the Past Subjunctive
The past subjunctive is formed with the auxiliary "être" or "avoir" in the present subjunctive followed by the past participle of the main verb.
- que j'aie fait
- que je sois allé(e)
- que tu aies terminé
- qu'elle soit arrivée
Use of the Past Subjunctive
The past subjunctive, like the present subjunctive, is mainly used in the following cases:
After expressions of doubt or uncertainty
- Je doute qu'il ait terminé son travail. (I doubt that he has finished his work.)
- Il est possible qu'elle soit partie avant nous. (It is possible that she left before us.)
After expressions of necessity or desire
- Il faut que tu sois rentré avant minuit. (You must be home before midnight.)
- Je souhaite qu'ils aient reçu mon message. (I hope that they have received my message.)
After expressions of feeling or judgment
- Je suis content qu'elle ait réussi son examen. (I am happy that she passed her exam.)
- C'est dommage qu'ils soient partis si tôt. (It's a shame that they left so early.)