Spanish and English subjunctives
it seems that spanish subjunctives are very precise and ordered. how do they compare to english subjunctives?
3 Answers
I think the reason the English subjunctive is going out of use is that clauses that require the subjunctive sound stilted and unusually formal to modern ears.
It is necessary that he see me... I asked that she be here by 5...
More likely one would hear:
He needs to see me, it's necessary. I asked her to be here by 5.
I think modern English is favouring the infinitive more and more.
On the other hand the Spanish language's use of the subjunctive is abundant. It is truly a reflection of its purpose. It contrasts the personal world (versus the plainly universally indicative) with its own carefully crafted rules according to the mood of the verb.
Of course there are very consistent rules about turning verbs into the subjunctive mood. Usually it just takes a while for its purpose to click in one's head (this depends much on exposure, I find). When it does finally 'click' it opens the mind to the difference between indicative and subjunctive moods. I personally felt enriched when this part of the language slowly became clearer to me.
Good luck!
English subjunctives appear to be going out of use. I hear people avoid using the subjunctive tense when they absolutely should quite often. At the same time, I can't remember the last time I heard someone (other than myself) use the subjunctive tense. I don't think they're as difficult to use in English, but I'm a native speaker. 
http://www.englishpage.com/minitutorials/subjunctive.html
The above link explains the English subjunctive. You can even try your hand at some exercises.
