Introduction to the Present Subjunctive Tense
What is it all about?
When things aren’t just black and white Subjunctive = Doubt, Uncertain, Subjective English Examples I doubt that the doctor recommends that he take the pills with food. I hope that you study for tomorrow’s quiz. If I were a rich man, I wouldn’t have to work hard. Non-subjunctive sentences = certainty He takes the pills with food. You study for your quizzes. I work hard.
Structure of a subjunctive sentence Sentence expresses doubt, uncertainty, subjectivity… (not certainty) Sentence usually has a main clause that introduces a quality of uncertainty or subjectivity I hope I feel I want If I… Clauses that are often associated with the subjunctive A menos que… Antes (de) que… Dudar que… En caso de que… Es bueno que… Es dificil que… Es importante que… Es imposible que…
Structure of a subjunctive sentence, cont. When not to use the subjunctive Creer que… No dudar que… Es cierto que… Es claro que… Es verdad que… Es evidente que Examples Creo que el vuelo llega en tiempo. Dudo que el vuelo llegue en tiempo. Es verdad que los pasajeros están feliz. No creemos que los pasajeros estén feliz.
When to use it - Summary W – Wish/Will E – Emotion I – Impersonal Expression R – Request/Recommendation D – Doubt/Denial O - Ojalá
Conjugating Subjunctive Verbs Present tense subjunctive follows the same rules as commands Conjugate the verb in the 1st person singular (yo) Drop the –o Add the opposite ending (-ar uses –er endings, -er & -ir use –ar endings) 1st person singular takes the same ending as 3rd person singular Irregular subjunctive verbs are the same as the irregular commands.
Give It A Try Sé que _____ importante aprender español. Es importante que Juan _______ en tiempo. Dudo que tu maleta _________ en el aeropuerto. Podemos ver el partido si tu ________ los boletos. Comemos en el restaurante porque ustedes ________ con el dinero. Mi hermano prohibe que yo _________ fútbol aquí.