How do I know when to use the subjunctive?

Understanding the subjunctive

Most of the time in Spanish we use the imperative mood in expressions of certainty and objectivity. However, using the subjunctive mood is an effective way of gaining extra marks in both writing and speaking tasks, but as it is not something we use in English, it can be tricky to get your head round.

In some cases, the only way to know if a subjunctive should be used is to spend time in a Spanish speaking country, but the majority of the time there are some rules that can be followed, and set expressions to be learnt.

In general, in order to use subjunctive a sentence must contain a trigger, a ‘que’ and a change of subject and occurs in phrases that are uncertain or subjective.

Something that has helped me in the past to remember what triggers the subjunctive is the acronym WEIRDO

W is for Wishes. When you wish, hope, want or desire something from someone else. e.g. I hope that he tells me the truth Espero que me diga la verdad

E is for Emotions. Emotions are subjective so the way you feel about something triggers the Subjunctive. e.g. I am happy that she is here Estoy contenta que ella esté aquí

I is for Impersonal Observations. While these are not expressed as someone’s feelings, they are an expression of opinion about a situation. e.g. It is important that we learn Spanish Es importante que aprendamos Español It is necessary that he goes to the dentist Es necesario que vaya al dentista.

HOWEVER, in expressions that contain no room for doubt, such as ‘it certain that’ (es cierto que), ‘it is true that’ (es verdad que) or ‘it is fact that’ (es hecho que) the INDICATIVE is used. e.g. It is true that I am here = Es verdad que estoy aquí.

R is for Recommendations. When you recommend, advise or suggest that somebody else does something. e.g. I suggest you watch this film Sugiero que tú veas esta película.

D is for Doubt or Denial. When a situation seems unbelievable and you use doubt, disbelief or denial the subjunctive is used. e.g. I don’t believe that it is a good idea No creo que es una buena idea I doubt that it is true Dudo que sea verdad

O is for Ojalá. Ojalá means ‘I wish’ or ‘If only’ AND triggers subjunctive with or without ‘que’ e.g. I hope it is sunny Ojalá haga sol OR Ojalá que haga sol

There are of course some other occasions in which subjunctive is necessary, but the more you use it, the clearer it becomes! I find these rules very useful in helping me decide if a subjunctive is necessary and hope you will too!