Use of subjunctive

Question

When you invite someone to a party and you want to write "Please tell me if you can come" do you need to use the subjunctive form of poder? Por favor dígame si puede (pueda?) venir.

Answer 1

When you invite someone to a party and you want to write "Please tell me if you can come" do you need to use the subjunctive form of poder? Por favor dígame si puede (pueda?) venir.

After "si" you use indicative if the possibility exists, and subjunctive if you are considering unreal or hypothetical scenarios you don't really think they are possible.

Thank you so much! That really helps my understanding of when to use the subjunctive. I knew that the use of "si" could trigger it but wasn't sure under what circumstances. - Cyndee-Donato, Jan 11, 2011

Answer 2

you can use the simple future: usted / él podrá venir