Subjunctive Uses

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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Uses of the Subjunctive 2

The subjunctive is used after verbs of wishing, command and request/recommendations only when the second verb is another person or thing.

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 verbs of request

After verbs of request or recommendation only when the second verb refers to another person or thing.
- Quiero que te hagas tu trabajo.
  - I want you to do your work.
- Le pido que tengas en cuenta esta propuesta.
  - I ask you to bear in mind this proposal.

After 'ojalá'

Ojalá llueva.
- I wished it rained.

After giving opinion

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.