The present subjunctive (AQA GCSE Spanish): Revision Notes
The present subjunctive
What is the present subjunctive?
The present subjunctive is a special verb form used in Spanish to express actions that are uncertain, desired, or emotional rather than factual. Unlike the indicative mood which states facts, the subjunctive expresses doubt, wishes, commands, and feelings. This tense is required knowledge for Higher tier GCSE Spanish and appears in very specific situations that you need to recognise.
The present subjunctive is exclusively Higher tier GCSE content, so mastering it will demonstrate advanced Spanish skills and help you achieve top grades in your examinations.
How to form the present subjunctive
The present subjunctive has different endings from regular present tense verbs. Here are the most important irregular verbs you need to know:
| Verb | English | yo | tú | él/ella/usted |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| hacer | to do, make | haga | hagas | haga |
| ir | to go | vaya | vayas | vaya |
| ser | to be | sea | seas | sea |
| venir | to come | venga | vengas | venga |
| tener | to have | tenga | tengas | tenga |
Notice how these forms are quite different from the regular present tense. The subjunctive endings create a distinctive sound that Spanish speakers recognise immediately.
These irregular subjunctive forms are completely different from their indicative counterparts. For example, 'vaya' (subjunctive) vs 'va' (indicative) for 'ir'. You must memorise these forms as they cannot be predicted from regular verb patterns.
When to use the present subjunctive
The subjunctive appears in specific situations where the action is not certain to happen or expresses an emotional response. Here are the main contexts where you must use the subjunctive:
After 'cuando' for future actions
When 'cuando' (when) refers to something that hasn't happened yet, you must use the subjunctive. This shows uncertainty about when the action will occur.
Example: Future Actions with 'cuando'
Te mostraré el libro cuando vengas a mi casa. (I will show you the book when you come to my house.)
The action of coming hasn't happened yet, so we use 'vengas' (subjunctive) rather than 'vienes' (indicative).
After 'para que' (so that)
The phrase 'para que' always triggers the subjunctive because it expresses purpose or intention rather than fact.
Examples: Purpose with 'para que'
Te doy esto para que tengas toda la información importante. (I'm giving you this so that you have all the important information.)
Deberías ver este programa para que seas consciente de la situación. (You should watch this programme so that you are aware of the situation.)
After verbs of wishing, commanding, and requesting + 'que'
When someone wants, commands, or requests that another person do something, the subjunctive follows 'que'.
Examples: Commands and Wishes
Mi madre quiere que haga la cama. (My mother wants me to make the bed.)
Le pediré que venga a las nueve. (I will ask him to come at nine.)
After verbs of emotion + 'que'
When expressing how you feel about someone else's actions, use the subjunctive after 'que'.
Examples: Emotional Responses
Me sorprende que Lola sea tu hermana; sois muy diferentes. (I am surprised that Lola is your sister; you are very different.)
Me molesta que hagas tanto ruido cuando estoy trabajando. (It annoys me that you make so much noise when I am working.)
Useful vocabulary
| Spanish | English |
|---|---|
| cuando | when |
| para que | so that |
| quiere que | wants (someone) to |
| me sorprende que | I am surprised that |
| me molesta que | it annoys me that |
| le pediré que | I will ask him/her to |
| consciente | aware |
| responsable | responsible |
These trigger phrases are your key indicators for when the subjunctive is required. Learning to recognise them quickly will help you identify subjunctive contexts in both reading and writing tasks.
Grammar tips
The subjunctive often sounds "wrong" to English speakers because we don't use this mood as much in English. Here are essential points to remember:
- Look for trigger phrases like 'cuando' (future), 'para que', 'quiere que', and emotion verbs + 'que'
- The subjunctive verb usually comes after 'que' in the sentence
- Remember that the subjunctive expresses what might happen, not what definitely happens
Common Mistake to Avoid: Don't confuse 'cuando' referring to habitual actions (indicative) with 'cuando' referring to future actions (subjunctive).
- Cuando voy al colegio, siempre desayuno. (habitual - indicative)
- Cuando vaya al colegio mañana, desayunaré. (future - subjunctive)
Translation practice
Spanish to English:
- Cuando vaya a la universidad, estudiaré ciencias.
- Quiero que tengas estas entradas para el concierto el sábado.
English to Spanish: 3. Diego, I want you to be more responsible in the future. 4. I'm going to help you so that you have time to go out with your friend.
Answers:
- When I go to university, I will study sciences.
- I want you to have these tickets for the concert on Saturday.
- Diego, quiero que seas más responsable en el futuro.
- Voy a ayudarte para que tengas tiempo para salir con tu amiga.
Key Points to Remember:
- The present subjunctive expresses uncertainty, wishes, commands, and emotions rather than facts
- Key irregular verbs to memorise: haga, vaya, sea, venga, tenga
- Always use subjunctive after 'para que' and 'cuando' referring to future actions
- Look for emotion and command verbs followed by 'que' as triggers for subjunctive
- This is Higher tier content, so mastering it will help you achieve top grades