El Subjuntivo

When to use it – Indicators #2

So Far

You have learned so far to use the subjunctive with the following: To express necessity and possibility

Es posible Es imposible Es probable Es improbable Es importante Es necesario Es bueno Es mejor Es fácil Es difícil

To express wishes, preferences, and demands Desear to desire Esperar to hope Preferir to prefer Mandar to order Insistir en to insist

Expresiones de emoción

Use the subjunctive in a clause that modifies a verb or expression conveying any kind of emotion.

Examples: Alegrarse de to be happy about Estar contento(a) to be glad Estar triste to be sad Sorprender to surprise Gustar to like Es una lástima it’s a pity Temer to fear Tener miedo de to be afraid

Expresiones de emoción

Unlike other expressions that take the subjunctive, the information in a clause following a verb or expression of emotion can be factual. Use the subjunctive just because the information is introduced by a phrase indicating emotion.

Examples: Me alegro de que Teresa esté con nosotros.

Teresa is for sure with us, but because I’m happy (emotion), use the subjunctive.

¿Estás contento de que Teresa esté aqui? Again, Teresa is really here. Use the subjunctive

following the glad phrase. Creo que es una lástima que esté con nosotros.

Teresa is still here for sure. I feel emotionally (it’s a shame) so use the subjunctive.

Expresiones de duda When a clause is introduced by a statement of

doubt, the subjunctive is used in the dependent clause since it is not known for a fact if the action will take place.

The opposite is true. If the information is introduced with a statement of certainty, the indicative is used.

Ejemplos Subjunctive Indicative Dudar No dudar Es dudoso No es dudoso (no hay duda) No estar seguro Estar seguro No creer Creer No es cierto Es cierto

En cláusulas adverbiales

Use the subjunctive with the following conjunctions because the information that follows is not necessarily real. Para que so that De modo que so that, in such a way that De manera que so that, in such a way that Con tal de que provided that Sin que unless, without A menos que unless

Ejemplos Marta no irá a menos que tú la acompañes.

Marta’s not going unless you accompany her.