Grammar guide

Spanish Subjunctive Triggers

Master the phrases that trigger the Spanish subjunctive. Essential for A-Level and high-grade GCSE Spanish writing.

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What triggers the subjunctive?

The subjunctive follows specific conjunctions and verbs when expressing desire, doubt, emotion, recommendation, or possibility in a subordinate clause.

Desire and will

Querer que, desear que, esperar que trigger subjunctive. Example: Quiero que estudies más. (I want you to study more.)

Emotion

Alegrarse de que, tener miedo de que, sorprender que. Example: Me alegra que estés aquí. (I am glad you are here.)

Recommendation

Recomendar que, aconsejar que, sugerir que, pedir que. Example: Te recomiendo que practiques cada día.

Doubt and denial

Dudar que, no creer que, no pensar que. Example: Dudo que sea verdad. (I doubt it is true.)

Impersonal expressions

Es importante que, es necesario que, es posible que, es mejor que, ojalá. Example: Es importante que hables con el profesor.

GCSE and A-Level tip

At GCSE, two or three correct subjunctive uses reliably access the highest marks. At A-Level, varied and accurate subjunctive use is essential for Grade A.

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FAQ

What triggers the subjunctive in Spanish?

Expressions of desire (querer que), emotion (alegrarse de que), doubt (dudar que), recommendation (es importante que), and possibility (es posible que).

How do you form the present subjunctive?

Take the yo present indicative, drop -o, add opposite vowel endings. -AR verbs get -e endings; -ER/-IR verbs get -a endings.

Related verbs

serestartener