Present Subjunctive - Uses

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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.

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!

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.