4.3 Introduction to the Subjunctive

What the subjunctive is

The subjunctive is a mood (not a tense) used for wishes, doubts, emotions, and hypotheticals — things that aren't stated as fact. It usually appears in a subordinate clause after que.

Forming it

Take the 'yo' present form, drop the -o, and add 'opposite' endings: -ar verbs take -e endings (hable), -er/-ir verbs take -a endings (coma, viva).

WEIRDO triggers

Use the subjunctive after expressions of Wishes, Emotions, Impersonal opinions, Recommendations, Doubt, and Ojalá: 'Espero que hables' (I hope you speak), 'Ojalá que llueva.'

Key terms

Subjunctive

A mood for wishes, doubts, emotions, hypotheticals

Formation

yo form minus -o, add opposite endings (hable, coma)

Trigger word

Usually follows 'que' in a subordinate clause

WEIRDO

Wishes, Emotions, Impersonal, Recommendations, Doubt, Ojalá

Example

Espero que hables = I hope you speak

Try an AP-style question

"Quiero que tú ___ (venir)."

1. vendrás
2. venir
3. vengas
4. vienes