Subjunctive vs Indicative Present and Future

Question

I have read some of the difference but in casual conversation which is most often used, for example, I was going to go, I am bringing, I would give, is indicativo more facts and subjectivo more suggestive?? Thanks!

subjunctive; not subjective - 0074b507, Jul 23, 2010

Answer 1

This is the best thread on subjunctive we have on this site, answered by a grammar specialist.

Subjunctive

Thank you! - aztecsoul, Jul 23, 2010

Answer 2

Here's a couple of tips I found helpful:

The first and most simple use of the subjunctive is to convey a wish or a desire. For example, take the following sentence:

Que me entierren aquí.

May they bury me here. (It's not actually happening infact for all you know it may never happen but you would like it to).

Here's a couple more examples:

Que venga en invierno. Que llueva mañana.

2.

The subjunctive form of querer implies that the speaker isn't exactly sure

Vendré cuando pueda. I will come when i can. (not sure when that'll be exactly)

Another example:

Voy a salir cuando gaste todo mi dinero.

3.

The most common use of the subjunctive: the subordinate clause that expresses a desire, fantasy or something that has not yet come to pass. .

Espero que me entierren aquí.

In this sentence, the word "espero" represents a statement that the subject hopes for something, and the rest of the sentence expresses what that hope is using the subjunctive.

NB Don't use the subjunctive with a subordinate clause when that clause is expressing something you do know or something that is a fact.

4.

Use of the subjunctive to convey ambiguity.

Estoy buscando a un hombre que parezca a Shrek. (there may or may not be such a guy)

More examples:

Necesito una bebida que tenga sabor a naranja. Quiero comprar lo que beban los ricos. ¿Conoces un restaurante que sirva tortillas?

5.

Another use of the subjunctive is to express doubt this is also often given as a subordinate clause.

Dudo que ella se duche con frecuencia.

I doubl that she showers very often.

ya veo, good explanation, gracias!!!!! a veces estoy confundida!!!! - aztecsoul, Jul 23, 2010

This is excellent Maria - patch, Jul 24, 2010

Answer 3

.....is indicativo more facts and subjectivo more suggestive?

I wish it was that easy, msthoro! The fact is that - if your native language is English - you will have problems with the subjunctive. There's no easy solution to this one. Here's my suggestion. Find some examples of the subjunctive that you don't understand and post them here (giving context).

Here is a clue .....

"No hay nadie aquí que hable inglés" (there's no one here who speaks English)

Why "hable" (sub) and not habla (ind) ?

Because that person does not exist so how can I indicate that?

..... but the subjunctive has many different "flavours" so there is no one answer that fits everything. Stick with it - remember that this is generally acknowledged to be the most difficult part of the language so it will take time before you start to get it.

Best of luck.

I see why I have been so confused, that makes sense, something to practice on! gracias! - aztecsoul, Jul 23, 2010