¡Hola! Beyond the WEIRDO triggers, the Subjunctive mood is also frequently required after certain conjunctions, especially when these conjunctions introduce an action or event that is anticipated, hypothetical, or not yet completed. In this chapter, we'll focus on conjunctions related to time and purpose.
By the end of this chapter, you will be able to:
Conjunctions link ideas. Some conjunctions introduce clauses where the action is seen as certain or factual (taking the indicative), while others introduce clauses where the action is viewed as pending, desired, or dependent on another event, often requiring the subjunctive.
(Optional Review): Think about the sentence: "I will call you when I arrive." The arriving hasn't happened yet. This type of "when" often triggers subjunctive in Spanish. How would you say "I arrive" (present subjunctive yo form of llegar)? (llegue).
When these conjunctions introduce an action that has not yet occurred (i.e., it's in the future relative to the main clause, or it's anticipated/pending), the verb in the clause following the conjunction is in the subjunctive. If the main clause verb is in the present or future, this is a strong indicator.
Important Contrast: Time Conjunctions + Indicative (for habitual or past completed actions)
If these same time conjunctions refer to actions that are habitual, or that have already occurred (and are viewed as completed facts), the indicative mood is used.
These conjunctions introduce the purpose or goal of an action. They are generally followed by the subjunctive because the purpose is something intended or hoped for, not yet a definite reality at the time the main action is performed. There must be a change of subject between the main clause and the subordinate clause.
Important: If there is NO change of subject, use para + infinitivo.
Master subjunctive with time & purpose conjunctions.
Import Chapter 44 Flashcards(Requires login to import/study)
Instructions: Decide if the verb in parentheses should be Subjunctive (S) or Indicative (I) based on the context.
Answer Key:
Instructions: Complete the sentences with the correct present subjunctive form of the verb in parentheses.
Answer Key:
Instructions: Combine the ideas using "para que" or "a fin de que" and the present subjunctive.
Answer Key:
Instructions: In pairs, discuss your plans for the upcoming weekend or a future holiday. Use time conjunctions with the subjunctive.
Example: Student A: "Cuando termine mis exámenes, visitaré a mi familia."
Student B: "Yo estudiaré hasta que sepa todo para la clase."
The use of the subjunctive with conjunctions of time (like "cuando" for future events) and purpose (like "para que") highlights a cultural tendency in Spanish to clearly delineate between what is factual or habitual, and what is anticipated, desired, or dependent on another's actions. When someone says, "Te llamaré cuando llegue" (I'll call you when I arrive), the subjunctive "llegue" subtly underscores that the arrival is a future, unconfirmed event upon which the calling depends.
Similarly, using "para que + subjunctive" (e.g., "Estudio para que mis padres estén orgullosos" - I study so that my parents are proud) emphasizes the intended outcome or purpose, acknowledging that the fulfillment of that purpose is not yet a concrete reality and often depends on the actions or states of another. This grammatical distinction reflects a nuanced way of viewing and expressing the relationship between actions, intentions, and future possibilities, which is common in interpersonal communication across Hispanic cultures.
The core idea for using subjunctive with time conjunctions like cuando, hasta que, en cuanto, después de que is when the action in the subordinate clause is pending or has not yet occurred from the perspective of the main clause.
The conjunction antes de que (before) almost always requires the subjunctive because the action in its clause is, by definition, something that has not yet happened relative to the main clause's action.
Example: Termina tu comida antes de que se enfríe (subj. - enfriarse: to get cold). (Finish your food before it gets cold.)
If there's no change of subject, you use antes de + infinitivo: Antes de salir, apaga la luz. (Before leaving, turn off the light.)
For purpose conjunctions like para que and a fin de que, the subjunctive is used when there is a change of subject between the main clause and the subordinate clause.
Change of subject (Subjunctive): Te lo digo para que (tú) lo sepas. (I'm telling you so that you know it.)
If the subject is the same, you use para + infinitivo.
Same subject (Infinitive): Estudio para aprender. (I study [in order] to learn.)
Time (often with Subjunctive for future/pending): cuando, después de que, antes de que, hasta que, en cuanto, tan pronto como, mientras.
Purpose (often with Subjunctive if change of subject): para que, a fin de que, de modo que, de manera que.
Use Present Subjunctive after these conjunctions when the action in the subordinate clause is anticipated, unfulfilled, or the purpose of another action (with a change of subject). Use indicative with time conjunctions for habitual or completed past actions.
¡Muy bien! You're building a strong understanding of when the subjunctive is used. We've covered the WEIRDO triggers and some key conjunctions. Next, we'll tackle a very common pair of prepositions that often cause confusion: "Por vs. Para." Mastering their differences is crucial for nuanced expression. ¡Adelante!