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In this paper we will investigate the optative constructions (OC) in French, a language without a morphological optative. Four types of constructions will be studied: sentential OCs with performative and modal verbs, elliptical nominal OCs which express wishes, OCs with a subjunctive verb in an independent sentence, and pseudo-conditional clauses which express wishes and intentions. We will consider especially the role of the subjunctive mood in OCs as well as the role of different markers that have specialised, like vivement.