![]() My goal here was to highlight the most common contexts for using the present subjunctive. Also, the subjunctive follows a whole new set of rules in the past tense (i.e. It’s important to note that there are other important contexts where the subjunctive mood is employed that I didn’t mention here. (The fact that they arrive on time means they are punctual.) El hecho de que lleguen a tiempo significa que son punctual.(The weather allows them to arrive on time.)Ĭontext #10: In some cases, when the subordinate clause introduces a fact El clima permite que lleguen a tiempo.(The weather makes them not arrive on time.) El clima hace que no lleguen a tiempo.(That depends on what time they arrive.)Ĭontext #9: When the subordinate clause directly causes or affects the main clause (I knew that before Juan arrived.)Ĭontext #8: When the subordinate clause introduces depends on the main clause Ya supe eso antes de que viniera Juan.(I want a girlfriend who is pretty.)Ĭontext #7: When the subordinate clause refers to a past event before it occurred (It’s reasonable they arrive on time.)Ĭontext #6: When the subordinate clause has elements that express specificity (It’s essential they arrive on time.)Ĭontext #5: When the subordinate clause has elements that express an expected pattern Note: Many competent Spanish-speakers don’t employ the subjunctive in these contexts to consciously or unconsciously communicate less doubt in the possibility.Ĭontext #4: When the subordinate clause has elements that express need (It’s odd they arrive on time.)Ĭontext #3: When the subordinate clause has elements that express possibility ¡Qué bueno que lleguen a tiempo! (It’s good they arrive on time!).(I doubt they’ll arrive on time.)Ĭontext #2: When the subordinate clause has elements that express desire, fear, judgment, or other emotions/feelings Llegar will be the example used throughout the following 10 key contexts for using the present subjunctive tense Spanish.Ĭontext #1: When the subordinate clause has elements that express doubt or negation (See my previous post on Spanish stem-changing verbs to clarify this.) Here’s another example with the slightly irregular verb llegar, meaning ‘to arrive.’ Here the a turns into ue, instead of just e. ![]() To clarify and provide a reference point, let’s compare subjunctive verbs Spanish conjugation to present indicative (normal) verb conjugation. The steps are outlined below: Additional Examples Conjugating Subjunctive in SpanishĬonjugating the subjunctive is similar to forming formal commands in Spanish. You’ll know when to use Spanish subjunctive when you’re trying to imply an uncertainty about a given situation (more on this below). ![]() You cannot speak as proficiently as native Spanish speakers without learning it.Īlthough it’s commonly referred to as the subjunctive tense in Spanish, it’s actually more of a mood, which acts as a category of tenses.It has been referred to as a key indicator that distinguishes a fluent speaker who merely “gets by” learning the language from one who speaks it well.It allows you to express your point or opinion with more specificity.It enables you to tune into and express beautiful subtleties of the language that aren’t so clear or simply don’t exist in English.Using it makes you sound like you really know how to speak Spanish competently.Why the Subjunctive is Important to Learn To speak Spanish well, knowing when to use Spanish subjunctive is indispensable. So, what’s next once you can communicate the basics comfortably and confidently? Advanced students who want to take their knowledge beyond basic communication can now begin learning about the Spanish subjunctive, usually taught in the third, fourth, or fifth year in schools or universities. Your teacher or tutor can help you with this if you’re learning on your own, try testing your Spanish here. Next up? Understanding the subjunctive mood! Read on as tutor Jason N. explains…Īs you’re learning Spanish, it’s a smart idea to keep track of your progress. You’ve learned about how to conjugate verbs in Spanish, and have a basic command of the language.
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