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
Answered by Isobel C. Spanish tutor

1500 Views

See similar Spanish A Level tutors

Related Spanish A Level answers

All answers ▸

How can I up-level my literature essays?


How do you know when to use the imperfect or preterite past tenses?


Translate from English to Spanish: "Greenhouse gases which are caused by pollution circulate in the atmosphere, so it does not matter which country produces them."


Write a text in Spanish between 250-400 words on the following topic: nowadays, with the worldwide temptation of junk food, maintaining a healthy diet is impossible. To what extent do you agree?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning