I thought the subjunctive was needed after the word 'if'.

Question

Could you explain to me the sentence "If you have a problem, let me know." I thought the subjunctive was needed after the word 'if'.

Answer 1

In cases where the word "if" can be replaced with "when" or "whenever", then the sentence is a false type of conditional (called the zero conditional) and the subjunctive is not used.

example: Whenever you have a problem, let me know.

Another type of conditional (called the first conditional) arises with true or potentially true but unverified statements using the word "if" and also does not use the subjunctive.

example: If she was home by 8:00, she was in bed by 10:00.

Hypothetical or counterfactual conditionals (called the second conditional) do require the subjunctive.

example: If I were rich, I would live in a castle.

Nice explanation and examples. - chaparrito, Nov 9, 2009

Wow! I didn't know it was so complex. Thanks! - Alicia-53, Nov 9, 2009

Answer 2

I found this online:

III. Real vs. unreal conditions

1. A real condition is one which may actually come about or at least is viewed as a possibility; thus, in Spanish, the indicative is normally used both in the “if”clause and in the main part of the sentence:

2. In contrast, an unreal or contrary-to-fact condition is one which will not come about or is viewed as being completely hypothetical. In this case, the “if” clause in normally in a past subjunctive tense, and the main verb is in a conditional tense.

Source Link

Answer 3

For Spanish, these three links spell it out pretty clearly:

link

link

link

Answer 4

Robertico's question might seem clearer if you see that it is a follow up to this thread: http://www.spanishdict.com/answers/112956/as-long-as-there-isnt-a-good-library-at-this-university-it-will-be-difficult-to-do-research

Thanks Chapa, I don't even understand the question myself. - 0068e2f4, Nov 9, 2009

Answer 5

How do you say eat like you mean it?

Perhaps..."Come con gusto." - webdunce, Nov 9, 2009

Answer 6

How do you say eat like you mean it?

En general, parece falta de cortesía introducir/proponer una pregunta (como repuesta) en un hilo que no tiene relación al tema propuesto. Desde luego, si quieres proponer otra pregunta, es suficiente abrir otor hilo.

Answer 7

No - it's never used after if according to Barron's 501 Spanish Verbs (in my avatar).

Quote from page 23:

Remember that the present subjunctive is never used in Spanish after si when si means if.

I think his problem is with English. - lorenzo9, Nov 9, 2009

This refers to the PRESENT subjunctive; not the subjunctive mood in general. - 0074b507, Nov 9, 2009

Oh dear, so it was (blush!). - Jespa, Nov 9, 2009