16.16.1

Uses

Test yourself

Uses of the Subjunctive

The subjunctive is a mood (it shows the intention of the speaker). It is used when we need to address another subject when using a second verb within the same sentence. Let’s see the different cases.

Illustrative background for ImperativesIllustrative background for Imperatives ?? "content

Imperatives

  • Imperatives are commands or orders.
  • When affirmative:
    • The él/ella subjunctive is the imperative ‘usted’.
    • The ellos/as subjunctive is the imperative ‘usted’.
    • The nosotros subjunctive is the nosotros imperative.
  • When negative:
    • All the forms use the subjunctive after ‘no’.
    • No me llames.
      • Do not call me.
    • ¡Digame!
      • Tell me!
Illustrative background for Showing purposeIllustrative background for Showing purpose ?? "content

Showing purpose

  • Connectors that express purpose trigger the subjunctive only when we address another subject when using verbs within the same sentence. Some of these connectors can be used with or without ‘que’ .
  • Para (que), de modo que, de manera que all trigger the subjunctive and they mean 'so that'.
  • Trabajo para que tenga éxito.
    • I work to be successful.
Illustrative background for Negative statements (denial)Illustrative background for Negative statements (denial) ?? "content

Negative statements (denial)

  • You need the subjunctive after negative sentences that deny an opinion or the truth.
  • No creo que tengas razón.
    • I do not think that you are right.
  • No pienso que sea verdad.
    • I don't think that is true.
Illustrative background for After 'cuando'Illustrative background for After 'cuando' ?? "content

After 'cuando'

  • The subjunctive is required when the word 'cuando' is used to show to express what needs to happen (requirements) for the future to happen. When ‘cuando” is used to say what normally happens we use the present tense and not the subjunctive.
  • Hablaremos cuando tengas tiempo.
    • We will talk when you have time.

After 'Ojalá'

  • After 'Ojalá'.
  • Ojalá llueva.
    • I wish it t rained.

Uses of the Subjunctive 2

The subjunctive is a mood (it shows the intention of the speaker). It is used when we need to address another subject when using a second verb within the same sentence. Let’s see the different cases.

Illustrative background for After verbs of wishingIllustrative background for After verbs of wishing ?? "content

After verbs of wishing

  • After verbs of wishing only when the second verb refers to another person or thing.
  • Deseo que vayamos a la playa.
    • I hope that we go to the beach.
  • Esperan que haya muchas cosas a hacer.
    • They hope that there are a lot of things to do.
Illustrative background for After requests or recommendationsIllustrative background for After requests or recommendations ?? "content

After requests or recommendations

  • After verbs of requests or recommendations only when the second verb refers to another person or thing.
  • Le pido que tengas en cuenta esta propuesta.
    • I ask you to bear in mind this proposal.
  • Quiero que te hagas tu trabajo.
    • I want you to do your work.
Illustrative background for After 'tan pronto como'Illustrative background for After 'tan pronto como' ?? "content

After 'tan pronto como'

  • After the time expressions, 'cuando' and 'tan pronto como', you need to use the present subjunctive.
  • Cuando sea mayor.
    • When I am older.
  • Tan pronto como tenga información.
    • As soon as I have information.
Illustrative background for Giving opinions about a different person or thingIllustrative background for Giving opinions about a different person or thing ?? "content

Giving opinions about a different person or thing

  • After giving opinion, only when the second verb refers to another person or thing, in this case, to a specific person.
  • Me gusta que comas sano.
    • I like that you eat healthy.
  • Me gusta estudiar español..
    • I like to study Spanish.
Illustrative background for After impersonal expressionsIllustrative background for After impersonal expressions ?? "content

After impersonal expressions

  • After impersonal expressions only when the second verb refers to another person or thing, in this case, to a specific person.
  • Es bueno que comas sano.
    • It is good that you eat healthy.
  • Es bueno estudiar español..
    • It is good to study Spanish.

Jump to other topics

1Los valores tradicionales y modernos

2El ciberespacio

3La igualdad de los sexos

4La inmigración

5El racismo

6La convivencia

7La influencia de los ídolos

8La identidad regional en España

9El patrimonio cultural

10El Laberinto del Fauno

11Nouns

12Articles

12.1Definite & Indefinite

12.2El with Feminine Nouns

12.3Lo + Adjective

13Adjectives

13.1Agreement

13.2Position

13.3Apocopation

13.4Comparative & Superlative

13.5Use of Adjectives as Nouns

13.6Demonstrative

13.7Indefinite

13.8Possessive

13.9Interrogative & Exclamative

13.10Relative

14Numerals & Quantifiers

15Pronouns

15.1Subject

15.2Object: Direct & Indirect

15.3Reflexive

15.4Unstressed & Stressed Forms

15.5Position & Order

15.6Relative

15.7Demonstrative

15.8Indefinite

15.9Possessive

15.10Interrogative

16Verbs

16.1Regular Conjugations

16.2Regular & Irregular Verbs

16.3Agreement of Verb & Subject

16.4Use of Hay Que in All Tenses

16.5Present Tense

16.6Preterite Tense

16.7Imperfect Tense

16.8Future Tense

16.9Conditional Tense

16.10Perfect Tense

16.11Future Perfect Tense

16.12Conditional Perfect Tense

16.13Pluperfect Tense

16.14Infinitive, Gerund & Past Participle

16.15Verbal Paraphrases

16.16Use of the Subjunctive

16.17Commands

16.18Conditional Sentences

16.19After Conjunctions of Time

16.20After Para Que, Sin Que

16.21In Relative Clauses

16.22After Other Subordinating Conjunctions

16.23With Verbs of Wishing & Commanding

16.24Sequence of Tense in Indirect Speech

16.25Voice

16.26Use of the Reflexives as a Passive

16.27Use of the Reflexive to Express an Impersonal

16.28Use of Ser + Past Participle

16.29Use of Estar + Past Participle

16.30'Nuance' Reflexive Verbs

16.31Modes of Address

16.32Constructions with Verbs

16.33Verbs Followed by an Infinitive

17Prepositions & Conjunctions

17.1All Prepositions

17.2'Personal' a

17.3Discrimination of Por and Para

17.4Coordinating Conjunctions

17.5Subordinating Conjunctions

17.6Use of Que to Introduce a Clause

18Negation, Questions & Commands

18.1Negation

19Word Order, Other Constructions & Discourse Marker

19.1Subject Following Verb

19.2Focalisation

19.3Time Expressions with Hace/Hacía

19.4Cleft Sentences

19.5Comparative Constructions

19.6Indirect Speech

19.7Discourse Markers

Go student ad image

Unlock your full potential with GoStudent tutoring

  • Affordable 1:1 tutoring from the comfort of your home

  • Tutors are matched to your specific learning needs

  • 30+ school subjects covered

Book a free trial lesson