An Introduction to Subjunctive Phrases

In Spanish, there are two moods: the indicative and the subjunctive. The latter is used to express different functions related to uncertainty or abstract ideas.

A tip for remembering the usages is to keep in mind the acronym W.E.I.R.D.O = Wishes, Emotions, Impersonal Expressions, Recommendations, Doubt or Denial, and Ojalá.

In this article, we will be studying mostly usages and functions. Click on this link to learn more about the different conjugations of the subjunctive.

We are going to review the subjunctive with semi-fixed phrases or chunks, which are sentences that are used consistently in this mood that you have to make slight modifications to.

This will make it easier for you to use the functions naturally. Then, you just have to familiarize yourself with the conjugation.

Following the acronym, let's start reviewing the first usage: Wishes.

Wishes

Rule 1. When you want to express that you would like something to happen, that you would like to experience something, or some other kind of desire (even demands), you will use the subjunctive.

Form

Rule 2. To express this function when you are referring to what you feel or think, you can use the following constructions. If you want to talk about someone else, simply adjust the verbs accordingly.

Rule 3. After selecting the construction, add the verb conjugated in the subjunctive. Here are a couple examples using two different subjunctive tenses.

Present subjunctive

Imperfect Subjunctive

Emotions

Rule 4. When you want to express how you feel about something, most of the time you will use the subjunctive.

Form

Rule 5. To express this function, you can use the following constructions.

If you want to talk about how someone else is feeling, simply use the appropriate indirect pronoun (te, le, nos, os, les).

Rule 6. Then, add the verb conjugated in any of the subjunctive tenses. Here is an example in the present subjunctive.

Present subjunctive

Impersonal Expressions

Rule 7. Impersonal expressions, as their name implies, do not include a specific person performing the action. Expressions concerning weather and temperature, for example, are impersonal, because no one is performing the action of rain.

However, impersonal sentences are not only limited to weather. When we give general opinions, we tend to use impersonal sentences.

Form

Rule 8. Here are some examples of impersonal constructions you can use with the subjunctive:

As you may notice, a good indicator of impersonal sentences is that they begin with es followed by an adjective.

Rule 9. Then, you are going to add the verb conjugated in a subjunctive tense. Here is an example of the imperfect subjunctive.

Imperfect subjunctive

Recommendations

Rule 10. When we talk about recommendations, we are also including suggestions, advice, etc.

To use the subjunctive with recommendations, you must use a variation of the following constructions in your sentence, as there are other ways to offer recommendations in Spanish that do not require the subjunctive, such as with the conditional.

Form

Rule 11. Since this is a fairly straightforward topic, the expressions you are going to use will probably be limited to the following:

Of course, the indirect object pronouns can be replaced (or omitted) with whatever best fits what you are communicating.

Rule 12. Then, add the verb conjugated in the subjunctive. Here is an example with the present subjunctive.

Present Subjunctive

Doubts or Denials

Form

Rule 13. When you want to express uncertainty about something, most of the time you are going to use the subjunctive by using any (variation) of the following constructions.

Rule 14. Then, add the verb conjugated in the subjunctive. Here is an example with the present perfect subjunctive.

Present Perfect Subjunctive

Ojalá

This is a word closely associated with the present subjunctive, and we will explain why. Ojalá is of Arabic origin, لو شاء الله (law sha'a Allah), meaning if God will. Although it does not necessarily have a religious connotation in today's Spanish, it does retain the essence of hope.

Form

Rule 15. As with the previous constructions, ojalá is accompanied by que plus the verb conjugated in any of the tenses in the subjunctive.

Present Subjunctive

Present Perfect Subjunctive

Imperfect Perfect Subjunctive

And, that's it! Now you know what the functions of the subjunctive are. Just remember the following points: