pluperfectsubjunctive

The pluperfect subjunctive, also called the past perfect subjunctive, is a verb form used in some languages to express an action that had occurred before another past action within a subordinate clause that requires the subjunctive mood. It contrasts with the pluperfect indicative by signaling mood (subjunctive) rather than simply time.

Formation varies by language. In Spanish, it is formed with the imperfect subjunctive of haber plus the past participle: hubiera hablado, hubieras comido, hubiéramos sido. In French, the corresponding form is the plus-que-parfait du subjonctif, produced with the imperfect subjunctive of avoir or être plus the past participle, as in qu’il eût parlé or qu’elle fût allée. Portuguese uses the pretérito mais-que-perfeito do subjuntivo, typically with the imperfect subjunctive of ter or haver plus a past participle, for example se eu tivesse estudado or se eu houvesse falado.

Usage occurs in contexts requiring the subjunctive in past-time clauses, often after verbs of wishing, hoping, doubt, necessity, or in conditional and reported speech. It expresses anteriority relative to another past event or state. Examples: Spanish — “Si hubiera sabido la verdad, habría actuado de otra manera.” French — “Je doutais qu’il eût compris.” Portuguese — “Se eu tivesse estudado, teria passado no exame.” In English, there is no dedicated pluperfect subjunctive; instead, English typically uses the past perfect in conditional or hypothetical clauses, as in “If I had known.”

The form remains common in certain languages and literary contexts, though its use can be restricted in everyday speech.