Using the Subjunctive in Spanish

Questions and Answers

What type of expression is 'Es dudoso que' an example of?

Expression of doubt or uncertainty

What type of verb is 'Pedir' an example of?

Verb of emotion or influence

What type of expression is 'Es una lástima que' an example of?

Impersonal expression

What verb is often used to express hope or desire that something will happen?

Esperar Signup and view all the answers

In which type of sentences is the subjunctive often used?

Sentences that express doubt, uncertainty, or emotion Signup and view all the answers

What type of expression is 'Es necesario que' an example of?

Impersonal expression Signup and view all the answers

What verb is often used to ask or beg that something be done?

Rogar Signup and view all the answers

What type of sentence would use the verb 'Desear' in the subjunctive form?

A sentence expressing strong desire or longing Signup and view all the answers

What type of clause is introduced by the phrase 'hasta que' in the sentence 'Hasta que no pare de llover, no podemos salir.'?

A subordinate clause of time, indicating that the action of the main clause will begin when the action of the subordinate clause stops. Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the conjunction 'para que' in the sentence 'Le compré una cámara a mi madre para que haga un curso de fotografía.'?

It introduces a subordinate clause of purpose, indicating the intention or goal of the action in the main clause. Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between 'cuando' and 'después de que' when talking about future actions?

'Cuando' refers to the moment when the action will take place, while 'después de que' refers to the action that will happen after a specific event in the future. Signup and view all the answers

How does the conjunction 'a menos que' function in a sentence?

It introduces a subordinate clause indicating a condition that must be met, or a exception to the main clause. Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the conjunction 'mientras' when talking about two actions that occur simultaneously?

It introduces a subordinate clause indicating that the action of the main clause and the subordinate clause happen at the same time. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Uses of the Subjunctive

Expressions of Doubt or Uncertainty

The subjunctive is used with expressions that convey doubt or uncertainty, such as:
- Dudar que (to doubt that…)
- Es dudoso que (it is doubtful that…)
- Esperar que (to hope that…)
- No es cierto que (it is not certain that…)
- No estar seguro de que (to not be sure that…)
- No parece que (it doesn’t seem that…)
- Temer que (to be afraid that…)
- Existe la posibilidad de que (there is a possibility that…)
- Puede ser que (it may be that...)
- No creo que (I don’t think that…)
Examples:
- No parece que vaya a llover hoy.
- El profesor duda que los estudiantes entiendan la gramática.

Impersonal Expressions

The subjunctive is used with impersonal expressions that convey opinions or judgments, such as:
- Es bueno que (it is good that…)
- Es importante que (it is important that…)
- Es imposible que (it is impossible that…)
- Es increíble que (it is incredible that…)
- Es interesante que (it is interesting that…)
- Es necesario que (it is necessary that…)
- Es posible que (it is possible that…)
- Es preferible que (it is preferable that…)
- Es probable que (it is probable that…)
- Es sorprendente que (it is surprising that…)
- Es triste que (it is sad that…)
- Es una lástima que (it is a pity that…)
Examples:
- Es necesario que estudies el subjuntivo antes del examen.
- Es una lástima que no podamos venir a tu fiesta.

Verbs of Emotion or Influence

The subjunctive is used with verbs that express emotions or influence, such as:
- Esperar que (to hope that…)
- Pedir que (to ask that…)
- Exigir que (to require that…)
- Querer que (to want to…)
- Rogar (to beg/pray)
- Suplicar (to request)
- Desear que (to not be able to wait for…)
- Insistir en (to insist on…)
- Estar contento/a de (to be content…)
- Preferir (to prefer…)
- Sugerir (to suggest)
- Ojalá que (let’s hope that…)
Examples:
- Espero que hagas tus deberes mañana.
- Sugiero que te levantes temprano.

After Certain Time Expressions

The subjunctive is used after certain time expressions that refer to actions that may take place in the future, such as:
- Cuando (when)
- En cuanto (as soon as)
- Tan pronto como (as soon as)
- Hasta que (until)
- Después de que (after what)
- Antes de que (before)
- Mientras (while)
- Una vez que (once)
Examples:
- Hasta que no pare de llover, no podemos salir.
- Después de que dejes de fumar, te llevaré a Londres.

After Certain Expressions of Purpose

The subjunctive is used after certain expressions of purpose, such as:
- Para que (so that)
- Al fin de que (to the end that)
- Con el objeto de que (with the aim that)
- Con tal de que (provided that)
- A menos que (unless)
- A condición de que (on condition that)
- En caso de que (in case)
- Sin que (without)
Examples:
- A menos que estudies, no sacarás buenas notas.
- Le compré una cámara a mi madre para que haga un curso de fotografía.