In Spanish, there's something called the subjunctive mood.

This mood helps us express doubt, wishes, feelings, and things that are uncertain.

Knowing some common phrases that use the subjunctive can make your conversations much smoother.

Let's take a look at some key phrases and important grammar tips!

Common Phrases That Need the Subjunctive

1. Doubt and Uncertainty:

   • "No creo que…" (I don’t think that…)
   • "Dudo que…" (I doubt that…)
   • "Es posible que…" (It’s possible that…)
   • "No es cierto que…" (It’s not true that…)

2. Desire and Preference:

   • "Quiero que…" (I want that…)
   • "Espero que…" (I hope that…)
   • "Preferiría que…" (I would prefer that…)
   • "Me gustaría que…" (I would like that…)

3. General Expressions:

   • "Es mejor que…" (It’s better that…)
   • "Es necesario que…" (It’s necessary that…)
   • "Es probable que…" (It’s probable that…)

Important Grammar Points

a. Present Tense Verb Changes

To form the subjunctive in the present tense, start with the "yo" form of a verb.

Then, drop the -o ending and add the new endings:

• For -ar verbs:

  • yo: -e
  • tú: -es
  • él/ella/usted: -e
  • nosotros: -emos
  • vosotros: -éis
  • ellos/ellas/ustedes: -en

• For -er and -ir verbs:

  • yo: -a
  • tú: -as
  • él/ella/usted: -a
  • nosotros: -amos
  • vosotros: -áis
  • ellos/ellas/ustedes: -an

Example:

• Hablar (to speak):

  • yo hable
  • tú hables
  • él hable

• Comer (to eat):

  • yo coma
  • tú comas
  • él coma

b. Understanding the Past Tenses

You won’t use the subjunctive when talking about past events that are finished or ongoing.

The preterite refers to completed actions in the past, while the imperfect describes actions that were happening.

Use the subjunctive mostly for wishes or uncertainty.

Example:

• Preterite: "Ayer comí pizza." (Yesterday I ate pizza.)
• Imperfect: "Cuando era niño, jugaba al fútbol." (When I was a child, I played soccer.)
• Subjunctive: "Quiero que comas pizza." (I want you to eat pizza.)

c. Using Subject Pronouns

In Spanish, you can often skip saying the subject (like "yo" or "tú") if it's clear from the verb.

But, in subjunctive phrases, it's often better to include these pronouns for clarity.

Example:

• Omitted: "Dudo que (yo) tenga tiempo." (I doubt I have time.)
• Included: "Dudo que él tenga tiempo." (I doubt he has time.)

d. Using the Subjunctive for Wishes and Doubts

You need the subjunctive mood after verbs that show doubt, desire, or need.

Pay attention to key phrases so you can make your sentences correctly.

Example:

• "Espero que tú vengas a la fiesta." (I hope that you come to the party.)

e. Direct and Indirect Object Pronouns

You can use direct and indirect object pronouns in sentences with the subjunctive.

Just keep in mind where they go in the sentence.

Example:

• Direct: "Quiero comprarlo." (I want to buy it.)
• Indirect: "Espero que me ayuden." (I hope that they help me.)

By learning these phrases and rules, you'll be better at talking about doubt and desires in Spanish.

Try using these phrases in different conversations to boost your speaking skills!