When do we use the subjunctive?

The subjunctive is a mood used to describe things that are more abstract than the indicative; feelings, desires, doubts, fears, the abstract and the unknown. There are a series of phrases that trigger the use of the subjunctive, and it's also used with 'ojalá'. It usually follows the indicative mood in any tense, with the two clauses separated by 'que'.

A useful acronym to remember when we use the subjunctive is WEIRDO: Wishes, Emotions, Impersonal expressions, Recommendations, Doubt/Denial and Ojalá.

IC

Related Spanish A Level answers

All answers ▸

How do I score the top marks in the translation section?


When should I use the present subjunctive in Spanish?


How to form the subjunctive in Spanish.


How do I differentiate the use of "el imperfecto" from "el pretérito" when describing actions in the past?