Explaining The Subjunctive
I am sure it has been asked many times, but can some please explain the four uses of the subjunctive is plain simple English without using any gramatical phrases such as, main clauses, dependent clauses, compound tense, imperative, or anything else that you need a degree in English to understand. Four uses, four simple sentences if possible please.
Here is a perfect example of what I do not want:-
With a governing verb in a “present time” tense use only a “present time” tense of the subjunctive; with a governing verb in a “past time” tense, use only a “past time” subjunctive. In either case the simple subjunctive tense is used to express a simultaneous or future action, and the perfect tense is used to indicate a previous activity.
Seriously what is that about !!!
6 Answers
One of my awesomest friends just sent this to me last week:
Elearnspanish.com on the subjunctive
That is actually page 3 of 5, but the links to the other pages are on it. Pages 1-2 are how to form the subjunctive tense. 3-5 are about how to use it.
It looks like a good explanation to me.
Seriously what is that about !!!
Since you asked....
With a governing verb in a “present time” tense...
Espero... (governing verb - espero - in the present tense)
use only a “present time” tense of the subjunctive;
Espero que tengas un buen día (uses subjunctive conjugated in the present tense - tengas)
In either case the simple subjunctive tense is used to express a simultaneous or future action
Espero que tengas una buena excusa - I hope that you have a good excuse. (expressing a wish for something - a good excuse - that would occur at the same time as the speaker is speaking).
Espero que tengas un buen viaje - I hope that you have a good trip (hopes for/looks forward to a future event - a good trip - to express a wish).
the perfect tense is used to indicate a previous activity.
Espero que hayas hecho tu cama - I hope that you made your bed. (Here a hope is expressed for something that should have occurred in the past - you made your bed)
As for four examples here are six that incorporate that little WEIRDO rule:
[expresses a Wish]
Espero que hoy hagas tu cama - I hope that you make your bed today
[expresses an Emotion]
Me alegro que hoy hayas hecho tu cama - I am glad that you made your bed today.
[expresses an Impersonal observation]
Es bueno que hoy hayas hecho tu cama - It's good that you made your bed today.
[expresses a Recommendation]
Sugiero que hoy hagas tu cama - I suggest that you make your bed today.
[expresses a Doubt]
Dudo que hoy hayas hecho tu cama - I doubt that you have made your bed today.
[expressions with Ojalá]
Ojalá que hoy hagas tu cama - I really hope that you make your bed today
In your own words when would you use the past tense with the subjunctive ? Thanksl
Have a look at some older threads, you might find your answer there.
En la lengua castellana, francesa, española e india, entre los usos más comunes del subjuntivo se encuentran
La expresión de un deseo: Mi madre quiere que estudie medicina La expresión de la duda: No creo que llegue a tiempo La aparición en expresiones más o menos fijas, como es probable que, cuando, es interesante que, etc. La expresión de una orden negativa: No tires el papel Uso obligatorio del subjuntivo por el significado de los elementos rectores: "...usamos del modo subjuntivo en la oración subordinada siempre que el verbo principal exprese una acción dudosa, posible, necesaria o deseada" (Esbozo de una nueva gramática de la lengua española, 1973:455)
In Castilian, French, Spanish and Indian, among the most common uses of the subjunctive are
The expression of a wish: My mother wants to study medicine The expression of doubt: I do not arrive on time The appearance in more or less fixed expressions, as is likely, when, interestingly, etc. The expression of a negative order: Do not throw paper Mandatory use of the subjunctive on the meaning of the guiding elements: "... we use the subjunctive mood in the subordinate clause if the main verb expresses an action doubtful, possible, necessary or desired" (Outline of a new grammar of the Spanish language , 1973:455)
Fuente: http://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Modo_subjuntivo
I hope you have a good day. Ojala (espero) que tangas buen día.
I hope it doesnt rain cats and dogs. Ojala que no llueva a cántaros.
They were hoping that she would be here. Esperabana que estuviera ella.
Do you want us to come and help yoiu? Quieres que te ayudemos?
