10 Major Subjunctive Use Cases

1. Wishes, Emotions & Ojajá (WIERDO)

In clauses introduced by verbs of commanding, requesting, doubting, fearing, hoping, wishing, etc., where the chance of fulfillment is always in doubt.  He commands (Manda) that … He requests (Pide) that …

He doubts (Duda) that …

He fears (Teme) that …

He hopes (Espera) that …

He wishes (Desea: quiere) that…, etc.

In clauses introduced by verbs expressing emotion. Siento mucho que, me alegro, es lastima que

*important exclusions (creo/pienso)

Common starts:
Me sorprende (surprises
Espero
Siento
Deseo
Quiero

 

Espero que tengas un excelente día
 I hope you have a great day – Hope (w/ two subjects)

Deseamos que vengas a nuestra boda.
We wish that you come to our wedding – Wishes (w/ two subjects)

Quiero que vivas cerca a su madre
We wish that you come to our wedding – Wishes (w/ two subjects)

Me sorprende que estés temprano en casa 
It surprises me that you are home early – Emotions (w/ two subjects)

 

2. Impersonal Expressions, Obligations, Opinions (es possible, es útil, es fantastico, es necessario)
-?common expressions (mas vale que, ojala que (wishes), tal vez (possibilities))
-Conjunctions denoting purpose, result, or concession – para que, aunque, a menos que, de modo que, 


Es importante que estudias
(It’s important that you study –  Impersonal / Opinions (w/ two subjects)

Es necesario que vuelvas
(It’s necessary that you return) – Impersonal / Obligation (w/ two subjects)

Tengo miedo de que …

INDICATIVE – don’t use subjunctive

Es importante estudiar
(It’s important to study –  Impersonal / Opinions (w/ two subjects)

Es necesario volver
(It’s necessary that you return) – Impersonal / Obligation (w/ two subjects)

Tengo miedo de que …


5. Special case negations / Disbelief Doubt/ Uncertainty

No creo que, no pienso
No es cierto, verdad, obvio
no creo (sin duda) … no creo (quiza)

Quizás vivamos un tiempo en Barcelona. 
We may live in Barcelona for a while (Doubts/ Uncertainty words)

No pienso que ella sea una buena persona. I don’t think that she is good person

4. Impossible Hypotheticals / Possibilities

3. Non-existence, Indefinite/Unknown

?Busco una camiseta que lleve una foto de Elvis (I am looking for a T-shirt with a photo of Elvis) – Unsure about existence

Quiero vivir en una ciudad que tenga buen transporte público (I want to live in a city that has good public transport *but I don’t know any*) – Unsure about existence

6. Time clauses referring to the future – candor, antes, mientras, hasta que

 

Voy a solicitar una beca cuando vaya a la universidad.
I’m going to apply for a scholarship when I go to college – Cuando

7. Shortened Common Expressions/ Other Special Uses

 Que tengas un buen día (have a good day) – Commands .. shortened wish/desire w/ que

37. Que lo pasa bien (Have a good time) – Commands .. shortened wish/desire w/ que

38. Que aproveche (Enjoy your meal) – Commands .. shortened wish/desire w/ que

39. Que te Mayas (Leave already/get out) – Commands .. shortened wish/desire w/ que