Chosing the tense of the subjunctive

Tom A.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor

Chosing the tense of the subjunctive

'By the time my father succeeded' is translated as 'le temps que mon père réussisse'.

Could it also be 'le temps que mon père ait réussi'?

If so, are there stylistic considerations why you should chose one rather than the other?

Asked 3 years ago
CélineNative French expert teacher in KwiziqCorrect answer

Bonjour Tom,

Using Le Subjonctif passé would mean that the action of the subordinate clause ("le temps que...") is over at the same time as the action from the main clause starts. Usually with 'le temps que' you would use Le Subjonctif présent as per the nature of the expression: you are looking at the actions in "motion" (simultaneity).

I hope this is helpful.

Bonne journée !

Chosing the tense of the subjunctive

'By the time my father succeeded' is translated as 'le temps que mon père réussisse'.

Could it also be 'le temps que mon père ait réussi'?

If so, are there stylistic considerations why you should chose one rather than the other?

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