THE SUBJUNCTIVE MOOD
The subjunctive mood is used to refer to events or conditions that are subjective in relation to the
speaker’s reality or experience. It usually deals with possibilities or subjective reactions, rather than
with established facts. Because expressions of volition, emotion, doubt, denial, and unreality all
represent reactions to the speaker’s perception of reality, they are followed in Spanish by the
subjunctive.
The Spanish subjunctive is most often used in subordinate or dependent clauses. In Spanish these
clauses are generally introduced by que (that). In English, the word that is often dropped in similar
constructions. A dependent clause can be a noun, adjectival or adverbial clause. A dependent clause is
one that cannot stand alone as a sentence: it depends on the main clause of the sentence, which usually
consists of the subject and a verb. Dependent noun clauses represent people, things, or ideas.
*ATTENTION*
It is the main clause that determines the use of the subjunctive.
PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE IN NOUN CLAUSES
A noun clause is a clause (subject + verb) that serves as the direct object of the verb in the main clause.
A dependent noun clause is usually introduced by the conjunction que. The subjunctive is used in a
dependent noun clause when the following conditions are present:
® There is a change of subject. If the subject in the main clause is the same as that of the subordinate
(dependent) clause, the infinitive is used.
Example Yo quiero que ellos salgan I want that they leave. (them to leave)
Yo quiero salir. I want to leave.
® The verb in the main clause expresses hope, doubt, denial, consent, prohibition, permission,
obligation, supplication, emotion, feelings, surprise, fear, regret, advise, insistence, necessity,
preference, or any similar sentiments.
Example Yo quiero (espero, dudo, no creo, mando, recomiendo, obligo, permito, necesito,
sugiero, prefiero, prohibo, aconsejo, temo, siento) que tú vayas conmigo.
I want (hope, doubt, don’t believe, order, recommend, command, allow, need,
suggest, prefer, forbid, advise, fear, feel) that you go with me.
® The expressions quizá(s), tal vez, and acaso require the subjunctive when the speaker is uncertain
about an action. The expressions quizá(s), tal vez, acaso and ojalá indicate uncertainty or doubt.
These expressions do not require que in order to be subjunctive.
Example Quizá(s) él llegue a tiempo. Perhaps he will arrive on time.
Quizá(s) sea tarde. Maybe (Perhaps) it is late.
Tal vez él llegue temprano. Perhaps he arrives (will arrive) early.
Ojalá vengan a tiempo. I hope they arrive on time.