jusqu'à ce que uses subjunctive except in passé simple cases?

Ann H.C1Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor

jusqu'à ce que uses subjunctive except in passé simple cases?

In this sentence, "Cette-fois-là, je retins ma joie jusqu'à ce que je fus sûr", they did not use the subjunctive after jusqu'à ce que. Just wondering why...

Asked 5 years ago
CécileNative French expert teacher in KwiziqCorrect answer

Hi Ann,

Where did you find this sentence?

I am asking because we think there is a mistake and that it should be -

"....je retins ma joie jusqu'à ce que je fusse sûr"

'fusse' being the subjunctive imperfect which is rarely employed and somewhat archaic nowadays but that you can still find sometimes in literature...

jusqu'à ce que uses subjunctive except in passé simple cases?

In this sentence, "Cette-fois-là, je retins ma joie jusqu'à ce que je fus sûr", they did not use the subjunctive after jusqu'à ce que. Just wondering why...

Sign in to submit your answer

Don't have an account yet? Join today

Ask a question

Find your French level for FREE

Test your French to the CEFR standard

Find your French level
Thinking...