10.6.21

Subjunctive Uses (1/2)

Test yourself

Uses of the Subjunctive

The subjunctive is a mood. We use the subjunctive when we need to address another subject when using a second verb within the same sentence. Let’s see the different cases when this can happen.

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.
    • ¡Digame!
      • Tell me!
  • When negative:
    • All the forms use the subjunctive after ‘no’
    • No me llames.
      • Do not call 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 so that it is a success.
  • Trabajo para tener éxito.
    • I work to be successful.
Illustrative background for Negative statementsIllustrative background for Negative statements ?? "content

Negative statements

  • 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' and 'tan pronto como'Illustrative background for After 'cuando' and 'tan pronto como' ?? "content

After 'cuando' and 'tan pronto como'

  • The subjunctive is required when the word “cuando” is used to show to express what needs to happen (requirements) for the future to happen.
  • Hablaremos cuando tengas tiempo.
    • We will talk when you have time..
  • Cuando sea mayor.
    • When I am older.
  • Tan pronto como tenga información.
    • As soon as I have information.

Jump to other topics

1The Basics

2Everyday Activities

3Personal & Social Life

4The World Around Us

5The World of Work

6The International World

7Listening

7.1Time Expressions - Listening

7.2The Human Body & Health - Listening

7.3Food & Drink - Listening

7.4Travel & Transport - Listening

7.5Self, Family & Friends - Listening

7.6In the Home - Listening

7.7Colours - Listening

7.8Clothes & Accesories - Listening

7.9Leisure Time - Listening

7.10People & Places - Listening

7.11The Environment - Listening

7.12Communications & Technology - Listening

7.13The Built Environment - Listening

7.14Measurements - Listening

7.15Materials - Listening

7.16The World of Work - Listening

7.17Culture, Customs, Faith & Celebrations

8Common Tenses

8.1Present Tense

8.2Preterite Tense

8.3Imperfect Tense

8.4Preterite vs Imperfect Tenses

8.5Future Tense

9Important Verbs

10Advanced Tenses

10.1Future

10.2Conditional

10.3Continuous Tenses

10.4Perfect Tense

10.5Passive

10.6Present Subjunctive

10.7Imperfect Subjunctive

10.8Imperative

11Extra Grammar

11.1Articles

11.2Negatives

11.3Nouns

11.4Asking Questions

11.5Adjectives

11.6Adverbs

11.7Conjunctions

11.8Pronouns

11.9Prepositions

11.10Verbs

11.11Comparisons & Superlative

11.12Numbers, Expressions of Quantity, Dates & Times

Unlock your full potential with Seneca Premium

  • Unlimited access to 10,000+ open-ended exam questions

  • Mini-mock exams based on your study history

  • Unlock 800+ premium courses & e-books

Get started with Seneca Premium