Subjunctive Interaction
I noticed that in the past few weeks, there have been quite a few posts concerning the subjunctive, and how to use it. So I thought I would do this post where everyone can contribute what they know about the subjunctive, but at the same time, learn something new and helpful yourself. I know that I am struggling with this, but I think my reason for it, (or at least a main one) is that I have quite a bit of trouble reading in Spanish. If I could understand what was being said, I think it would be much easier for me to figure out when to use the subjunctive verse the indicative or infinitive or subjunctive.
So here is the starting piece of information.
All of these verbs and expressions signal that the subjunctive should be used. I hope that at least a few of you find this helpful.
Subjunctive to express doubt and denial
No creer – to not believe
Dudar – to doubt
Negar – to deny
No pensar – to not think
No estar seguro/a (de) to not be sure (of)
Es dudoso – it's doubtful
No es cierto – it's not certain
Es increíble – it's incredible
No es verdad – it's not true
Subjunctive to express feelings and emotions.
Alegrarse – to be glad
Enojar – to anger
Esperar – to hope
Estar contento/a – to be happy
Lamentar – to regret
Molestar – to bother
Sentir – to regret
Sorprender – to surprise
Temer – to fear
Tener miedo – to be afraid
Es bueno/malo/mejor – it's good/bad/better
Es extraño – it's strange
Es facíl/dificil – it's easy/difficult
Es fantástico – it's fantastic
Es lamentable – it's regrettable
Es una lástima – it's a shame
Es (i)lógico – it's (il)logical
Es (im)posible – it's (im)possible
Es ridículo – it's ridiculous
Es soprendente – it's surprising/
When you are posting, feel free to ask a question. My hope for this thread is that it will be very interactive, where people can give their knowledge, but can also ask questions. I may have more to post about this later, but for now, this is it! Let the interaction begin!
7 Answers
This is such a big subject..
It helps quite a lot if you think that the subjunctive normally needs a change of subject, i.e, two people and a 'que' in between them.
And a feeling of ' might' or ' may' .
But basically, it's best to avoid it! You may laugh, but in conversations, unless you're sure it's got to be in the subjunctive, use the indicative. If you use the subjunctive when not needed, people may well think you wishywashy or not understand what you mean. The indicative is always understood, even if incorrect. It is very useful to learn some set frases: sea lo que sea, haga lo que haga..diga lo que diga.
After that, learn the forms that are grammatically needed first. I would never venture into any optional subjunctive, there is so much of it that is simply grammatically needed.
Oddly , I found it easier to understand it in the past tense because there is huge human need to say what might have happened if only we hadn't done this or if only we had done that( ojalá).
For that, the subjunctive is an excellent tool.
This may not help anybody else, but there is no quickfix. ¡ Ojalá!
Back in August, Tosh sent me this link to the video lessons on the Subjunctive in Light Speed Spanish: Lesson 1 - The Subjunctive.
Me alegro de que te hayan gustado los videos. Ah, el subjuntivo!
The first 8 are present subjunctive, and videos 8 and 9 are past subjunctive.
Here is the playlist.
Son muy útiles y muy graciosos, también.
Hola, actorgirl! Back in August, Tosh sent me this link to the video lessons on the Subjunctive in Light Speed Spanish: Lesson 1 - The Subjunctive. There are 7 or 8 of them, each about 10 minutes long. I listened and took notes so I could refer back, and have found these really helpful.
Buena suerte, a todos! 
I found this PDF that I am working on reading, and it looks like it is going to be quite helpful. I would encourage y'all to check it out.
That should be quite helpful, yes. One thing I just happened to see when looking through it:
¡Qué tengas un buen día! - Have a good day!
That "qué" shouldn't have an accent.
Since it's kinda short for "Espero que tengas un buen día", you can remember that none of those types of expressions have an accent on "que".
¡Qué interesante! - now that one, yes, does have an accent...
Just to throw a cat amongst the pigeons those so called 'triggers' don't always work. Of course they can provide a good place to start, I would just encourage learners not to just learn those triggers and then never progress any further. The subjunctive is a very complex part of Spanish grammar but used well it adds a richness to the way you communicate. If you are prepared to put in the effort to get a good grip on it and perhaps one day master it, it will be well worth the effort.
I found this PDF that I am working on reading, and it looks like it is going to be quite helpful. I would encourage y'all to check it out. 
You might find these Spanish Dict Resources on the subjunctive to be useful.
