pour que + Subjunctive

Purpose with Pour Que + Subjunctive

Level 4

Pour que means 'so that' or 'in order that'. It is a mandatory trigger for the subjunctive mood and is used specifically when the person performing the main action is different from the person affected by the goal.

How It Works

To use pour que correctly, you must follow three main rules:

1. The Two-Subject Rule: You only use pour que when the subject of the first verb is different from the subject of the second verb.
Example: Je parle pour que tu comprennes (I speak so that you understand).
If the subject is the same, use pour + infinitive instead.

2. Subjunctive Trigger: Pour que is a 'pure' trigger. It doesn't matter if the goal is certain or uncertain; the grammar requires the subjunctive mood immediately following it.

3. Elision: Remember that que becomes qu' before a vowel or a silent 'h'.
Example: pour qu'il vienne (so that he comes).

In terms of register, pour que is used in all situations. In very formal writing, you might see afin que, which functions identically but sounds more sophisticated.

Examples (4)

  1. Je te prête mon livre pour que tu puisses le lire ce soir.

    I am lending you my book so that you can read it tonight.

    Word by Word: I you lend my book for that you can (subj.) it read this evening.

    Here, 'puisses' is the subjunctive of pouvoir. The subjects are different (Je vs. Tu).

  2. Le professeur répète la question pour que tout le monde comprenne.

    The teacher repeats the question so that everyone understands.

    Word by Word: The teacher repeats the question for that all the world understands (subj.).

    'Comprenne' is the subjunctive form of comprendre. The goal is for the students to understand.

  3. Il a fermé la fenêtre pour que les enfants n'aient pas froid.

    He closed the window so that the children wouldn't be cold.

    Word by Word: He has closed the window for that the children not have (subj.) not cold.

    Even though the main verb is in the passé composé, we use the present subjunctive 'aient' (avoir) for the purpose.

  4. Parle plus fort pour qu'elle t'entende.

    Speak louder so that she hears you.

    Word by Word: Speak more loud for that she you hears (subj.).

    Note the elision (qu'elle) and the use of the subjunctive 'entende'.

Common Mistakes

  • Using the indicative mood instead of the subjunctive.

    Je travaille pour que mon fils réussit.
    Je travaille pour que mon fils réussisse.

    Learners often use the present indicative because it sounds like the English 'so that he succeeds'. However, 'pour que' must always be followed by the subjunctive.

  • Using 'pour que' when the subject does not change.

    Je mange pour que je vive.
    Je mange pour vivre.

    If the subject of both actions is the same (Je), you should normally use 'pour' + infinitive. 'Pour que' with the same subject is heavy and usually avoided.

  • Confusing purpose (pour que) with cause (parce que).

    Je suis venu pour que tu m'as invité.
    Je suis venu parce que tu m'as invité.

    Use parce que to explain the reason why something happened in the past. Use 'pour que' to explain the goal for the future.

How It Connects

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pour que + SubjunctiveLevel 4Purpose with Pour Que + Subjunctive

Learn This First

To use 'pour que' correctly, you must first be able to form the subjunctive mood, as this conjunction always triggers it. Additionally, understanding the base preposition 'pour' and the role of 'que' in connecting clauses helps in recognizing this pattern as a way to express purpose when the subject changes.

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Words in This Pattern

pour que