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SubjunctiveB1
Present subjunctive
The present subjunctive is used after expressions of wish, emotion, doubt, necessity and impersonal opinion, usually in a que-clause.
Usage
The present subjunctive is used after expressions of wish, emotion, doubt, necessity and impersonal opinion, usually in a que-clause.
Formation
Regular endings
| -ar | -er | -ir | |
|---|---|---|---|
| yo (I) | -e | -a | -a |
| tú (you) | -es | -as | -as |
| él/ella (he/she) | -e | -a | -a |
| nosotros (we) | -emos | -amos | -amos |
| vosotros (you, pl.) | -éis | -áis | -áis |
| ellos/ellas (they) | -en | -an | -an |
Rules
51Triggers: wish, emotion, doubt
After wish, emotion, doubt or necessity, the que-clause takes the subjunctive.
- Quiero que hables conmigo. — I want you to talk to me.wish
- Me alegro de que comas más. — I'm glad you eat more.emotion
- Dudo que puedan venir. — I doubt they can come.doubt
2Impersonal opinion
Impersonal phrases like it's necessary/good that also require the subjunctive.
- Es necesario que tengas paciencia. — It's necessary that you have patience.
- Es bueno que duermas bien. — It's good that you sleep well.
3ojalá, para que, cuando + future
ojalá, para que and cuando (referring to the future) trigger the subjunctive.
- Ojalá haga buen tiempo. — Hopefully the weather is nice.hopefully
- Te lo digo para que sepas la verdad. — I tell you so that you know the truth.purpose
- Cuando vayas, llámame. — When you go, call me.future
4Formation: yo-stem, swap endings
Take the yo present stem and swap endings: -ar to -e, -er/-ir to -a.
- Espero que hablen claro. — I hope they speak clearly.-ar to -en
- Quiero que comas algo. — I want you to eat something.-er to -as
- Es raro que tenga miedo. — It's strange that he is afraid.tengo to tenga
5Irregulars & stem changes
Special forms: sea, vaya, haya, sepa, dé, esté; stem changes carry over (quiera, pueda, duerma).
- Espero que sea verdad. — I hope it's true.ser
- Quiero que estés aquí. — I want you to be here.estar
- No creo que quieras eso. — I don't think you want that.stem change
Examples
- Ojalá vengan pronto. — Hopefully they come soon.
- Es importante que vivamos en paz. — It's important that we live in peace.
- Dudo que puedas hacerlo solo. — I doubt you can do it alone.
- No creo que digas la verdad. — I don't think you're telling the truth.
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