Topic 15
Subjunctive starter (A2 triggers)
The rule, in plain English
The subjunctive appears after certain triggers expressing wishes, emotions, doubt, or recommendations, usually with 'que': Quiero que…, Espero que…, Es importante que…, Ojalá…. Regular present subjunctive flips the vowel: -ar verbs take -e endings (hable), -er/-ir take -a endings (coma, viva).
Why it's hard for English speakers
English barely uses the subjunctive ('I suggest he be on time'), so the whole mood feels foreign. Start by memorising a few trigger phrases + que.
Present subjunctive (regular)
| Person | hablar | comer |
|---|---|---|
| yo | hable | coma |
| tú | hables | comas |
| él/ella | hable | coma |
Examples
- Espero que tengas un buen día.I hope you have a good day.
- Quiero que vengas.I want you to come.
- Ojalá llueva.I hope it rains.
- Es importante que estudies.It's important that you study.
Common mistakes
- Quiero que vienesQuiero que vengasTrigger 'quiero que' → subjunctive.
- Espero que tienes tiempoEspero que tengas tiempo'espero que' → subjunctive.
Practice
Exercises: 0 / 0 correct
Espero que ___ bien.
I want you to speak = Quiero que ___ (hablar, tú).
Ojalá ___ sol mañana.
It's important that you eat = Es importante que ___ (comer, tú).