subjunctive and tenses

Question

Can I have a mix of tenses in a sentence using the subjunctive?

For example:

I want to say: "I hope that you didn't twist your ankle"

I wrote: "Espero que no se te torciera el tobillo"

Is this correct? Because 'espero' is in the present tense (ie I am hoping now) but the action happened in the past (ie the person fell over yesterday)

I am not sure whether you have to use the present subjunctive here.

Como siempre, muchas gracias de antemano mis amigos

"Espero que no te hayas torcido el tobillo" or "espero que no te torcieras el tobillo". Both are correct :) - cogumela, Dec 19, 2011

gracias cogu. I think I might need to ask more about this. Hey did you see my answer to 'word of the day - ofrecer'? It appears I am speaking Galician Spanish -- I'm happy with that :-) - billygoat, Dec 19, 2011

Answer 1

My guess:

Espero que no te hayas torcido el tobillo.

ah interesting. I'd not considered that! - billygoat, Dec 19, 2011

perfecto - 00494d19, Dec 19, 2011

thank you for the confirmation Heidita. I love this language of yours :) - billygoat, Dec 19, 2011

Yes, it's perfect - cogumela, Dec 19, 2011

Answer 2

read this thread please

The sentences in English are:

I am disappointed that he isn't coming.

I am disappointed that he hasn't come.

I am disappointed that he didn't come.

Note the different forms of the subjunctive used in the subordinate clause, (present, present perfect and past).

Of course the main verb is in the present tense, indicative mood.

thank you Qfreed - billygoat, Dec 19, 2011

I did do a search first - honest! But I just typed in 'subjunctive' - billygoat, Dec 19, 2011