aller (subjonctif)

Irregular Subjunctive of Aller

Level 3

The verb aller (to go) is irregular in the subjunctive. It uses the stem aill- for most forms, but switches to all- for nous and vous.

How It Works

The present subjunctive of aller is essential for daily conversation, especially after triggers like il faut que.

1. Conjugation Table:

  • que j'aille
  • que tu ailles
  • qu'il/elle/on aille
  • que nous allions
  • que vous alliez
  • qu'ils/elles aillent

2. The Two-Stem System:
The stem aill- is used for the 'boot' forms. Note that aille, ailles, and aillent are all pronounced identically as [aj] because the endings are silent. The stem all- [al] is used for the nous and vous forms, which are identical to the imperfect indicative forms.

3. Usage Requirements:
The subjunctive is a mood used to express subjectivity, necessity, or doubt. It almost always follows the conjunction que. When using verbs of will or desire (like vouloir que), a change of subject is typically required between the main and dependent clauses (e.g., Je veux que tu ailles). However, certain conjunctions like bien que require the subjunctive even if the subject remains the same.

Examples (5)

  1. Il faut que j'aille à la banque ce matin.

    I have to go to the bank this morning.

    Word by Word: It is necessary that I go to the bank this morning.

    The expression 'il faut que' is a common trigger for the subjunctive.

  2. Je souhaite que tu ailles mieux bientôt.

    I hope that you get better soon.

    Word by Word: I wish that you go better soon.

    The verb 'souhaiter' (to wish) expresses a desire, which triggers the subjunctive.

  3. Il est important que nous allions à cette réunion.

    It is important that we go to this meeting.

    Word by Word: It is important that we go to this meeting.

    Note that 'allions' uses the 'all-' stem for the 'nous' form.

  4. Bien qu'ils aillent souvent au cinéma, ils n'aiment pas ce film.

    Although they go to the cinema often, they don't like this movie.

    Word by Word: Although they go often to the cinema, they not like not this movie.

    'Bien que' (although) is a conjunction that always requires the subjunctive.

  5. Je ne pense pas qu'elle aille à la fête.

    I don't think she is going to the party.

    Word by Word: I not think not that she goes to the party.

    Negative opinion verbs like 'ne pas penser que' trigger the subjunctive.

Common Mistakes

  • Using the indicative 'vais' after a subjunctive trigger.

    Il faut que je vais.
    Il faut que j'aille.

    Even in casual speech, 'il faut que' must be followed by the subjunctive form 'aille'.

  • Using the 'aill-' stem for the 'nous' form.

    Il est possible que nous aillions.
    Il est possible que nous allions.

    The 'nous' and 'vous' forms must use the 'all-' stem, not the 'aill-' stem.

  • Confusing the spelling of 'aie' (avoir) and 'aille' (aller).

    Il faut que j'aie au marché.
    Il faut que j'aille au marché.

    'Aie' is the subjunctive of 'avoir' (to have), while 'aille' is the subjunctive of 'aller' (to go).

How It Connects

Tap a pattern to see what it builds on and what it leads to.

aller (subjonctif)Level 3Irregular Subjunctive of Aller

Learn This First

To learn the irregular subjunctive of 'aller', you first need to understand how the regular subjunctive is formed and how the verb 'aller' behaves in the present tense, as the 'nous' and 'vous' forms of the subjunctive often mirror the present indicative stems.

Words in This Pattern

aller