Spanish Subjunctive Clauses and Expressions

Clauses With Que And Como

• The present subjunctive is used in clauses beginning with que (that) and como (as) to express a situation or condition that is uncertain or dependent on something else.
• Examples:
  • Es importante que estudiés para aprobar el examen. (It's important that you study to pass the exam.)
  • Espero que vengas al partido. (I hope you come to the party.)
  • Me alegra que seas feliz. (I'm glad that you're happy.)

Idiomatic Expressions With Subjunctive

• Certain idiomatic expressions use the subjunctive mood to express doubt, uncertainty, or possibility.
• Examples:
  • Ojalá que... (I hope that...)
  • Es de desear que... (It's desirable that...)
  • Sería mejor que... (It would be better that...)
  • Es posible que... (It's possible that...)
  • Es probable que... (It's probable that...)

Expressing Possibility And Potential

• The present subjunctive is used to express possibility or potential in the present or future.
• Examples:
  • Puede que llueva mañana. (It may rain tomorrow.)
  • Es posible que gane el premio. (It's possible that I'll win the prize.)
  • Quizás pueda ayudarte. (Maybe I can help you.)
  • Tal vez vaya al cine esta noche. (Maybe I'll go to the movies tonight.)

Using Subjunctive With Doubt And Uncertainty

• The present subjunctive is used to express doubt or uncertainty about a situation or fact.
• Examples:
  • No creo que venga. (I don't think he'll come.)
  • Dudo que sea verdad. (I doubt that it's true.)
  • No estoy seguro de que sea así. (I'm not sure that it's like that.)
  • No parece que sea capaz de hacerlo. (It doesn't seem like he's capable of doing it.)

Forming Present Subjunctive Phrases

• The present subjunctive is formed by dropping the -o ending of the first person singular (yo) form of the verb and adding the corresponding subjunctive ending.
• Examples:
  • Hablar (to speak) -> que hable, que hables, que hable, que hablemos, que habléis, que hablen
  • Estar (to be) -> que esté, que estés, que esté, que estemos, que estéis, que estén
  • Ser (to be) -> que sea, que seas, que sea, que seamos, que seáis, que sean