El Subjuntivo

When to use it – Indicators #1

Recuerda!

The subjunctive is a mood. It is used to express an action that is desired or hoped for but that is not necessarily real. The indicative mood is what all the verb

tenses so far have been. It indicates or expresses actions that definitely are taking place, did take place, or will take place.

In this blog, you’ll learn some keys that indicate the subjunctive is needed.

Expresiones Impersonales

The following phrases indicate an action that is desired or possible. They are followed by the subjunctive since it is not definite that the action in the dependent clause that follows each expression will be a reality. Es posible Es imposible Es probable Es improbable Es importante Es necesario Es bueno Es mejor Es fácil Es difícil

Ejemplos

Es posible que ellos vayan a Miraflores. Indep. Clause = It’s possible Depend. Clause = they may or may not go to

Miraflores. Es imposible que lleguen a tiempo.

Indep. Clause = It’s impossible Depend. Clause = they may or may not arrive on

time. A causa del desvío, es fácil que se pierdan.

Indep. Clause = It’s easy Depend. Clause = they may or may not get lost.

Deseos, Preferencías, Demandas

The following verbs in the independent clause indicate the dependent clause that follows will use the subjunctive. Whether a person desires, hopes, prefers, demands, or insists that another person do something, one can never be sure that the person will in fact do it. Desear to desire Esperar to hope Preferir to prefer Mandar to order Insistir en to insist