Section Three - Part E

Repasemos el Subjuntivo
There is a somewhat easy key to learning when to use the subjunctive.

It says:

If the first verb in the sentence is a WEDDING verb and there is a new subject in the second clause of the sentence. You use the subjunctive in the second clause.

What is a WEDDING verb?

A WEDDING verb is a verb that expresses:

In this unit, you have seen most of the above examples and how we use the subjunctive in these cases. Do you have problems with the subjunctive? Is there something about it that you do not understand?

Basically, the subjunctive conveys doubt or uncertainty. In English, we do not use it that much. One case you might recognize it:

If I were you.....

Normally, we say "I was (a child, a doctor, etc.)", right? But in the above case, because of the "if", we use "were" with "I". Why? Because I am not you. There is doubt or uncertainty there. So this is when we use the subjunctive. In Spanish, you might at times think you could use the infinitive when you really need the subjunctive.

My dad wants me to get good grades.

Mi padre quiere que yo reciba buenas notas.

Though it seems like it would be the "to get" form of the verb, it really requires the use of the subjunctive. Stay in contact with your teacher to work out any problems you have with this.

Querido Diario
Los jóvenes a veces sienten muchas presiones en sus vidas, ¿no? Escribe una carta a tu diario, hablando de estas cosas. Menciona las cosas que tus padres, tus abuelos, tus maestros, etc., quieren, esperan, insisten, etc., en que tú hagas. Escribe por lo menos 15-20 frases en tu "diario". Esta tarea vale 24 puntos.

Avanza a 3f.