How do you know when to use the subjunctive in the present tense?
I find that the acronym WEIRDO is always the perfect starting block for deciding when the use of the subjunctive is appropriate.
- W - wish - when a desire is expressd in the sentence from one person onto another person/thing the subjunctive is always needed. Espero que, deseo que,...
- E - emotions - when an emotion is a reaction to another event/person/thing and it is expressed in the sentence, the subjunctive is triggered. Me alegro de que, me enoja que...
- I - impersonal expression - when someone is expressing a judgement or subjectively valuing a situation/thing/object. Es importante que, es muy mal que...
- R - Requests and Recommendations - the subjunctive is needed if advise or suggestions are being giving or if the interlocutor is being asked to do something. Pido que..., Te recomiendo que..
- D - Doubts- when doubt is being expressed or the statement is hypothetical due to the unlikelihood of the situation, the subjunctive is required. Dudo que, no estoy seguro de que ...
- O - Ojala - In Spanish the word "Ojala" means "God willing" and therefore is used to express a strong desire or wish. "Ojala venga" "ojala recuerde"
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