Review: Spanish Subjunctive and Present Tense

In Spanish, the present (indicative) tense is used to describe actions, events, and states that are considered certain or factual. On the other hand, the present subjunctive tense is used in situations where the action or state is uncertain, hypothetical, desired, or influenced by emotion or doubt. Understanding when to use the subjunctive versus the present indicative is essential for accurately expressing ideas and nuances in Spanish.

This lesson will help you distinguish between these two tenses by providing clear guidelines and examples of when to use each.

1. Present Indicative Tense: Certainty and Facts

The present indicative is the “default” tense used for actions or states that are definite, habitual, or perceived as true. It’s used when the speaker is stating facts or describing what is happening without any doubt, emotion, or subjectivity.

Examples:

• Yo hablo español.
  (I speak Spanish.)
  This is a fact; the speaker is certain about it.

• Ella vive en Madrid.
  (She lives in Madrid.)
  A simple statement of fact.

• Nosotros comemos juntos todos los días.
  (We eat together every day.)
  Describes a habitual action.

2. Present Subjunctive Tense: Uncertainty, Desire, and Emotion

The present subjunctive is used when the action or state is not a certain fact but is instead influenced by subjectivity. This includes situations of doubt, wishes, emotions, recommendations, or hypothetical scenarios.

Examples:

• Espero que hables español.
  (I hope that you speak Spanish.)
  The speaker is expressing a desire, not a fact.

• Dudo que ella viva en Madrid.
  (I doubt that she lives in Madrid.)
  The speaker is uncertain about her living situation.

• Es posible que nosotros comamos juntos mañana.
  (It’s possible that we will eat together tomorrow.)
  A possibility, not a definite plan.

3. Key Triggers for the Subjunctive

To help you decide when to use the subjunctive, look for these common triggers that indicate the need for the subjunctive mood:

• Wishes/Desires: Espero que, Quiero que
  • Quiero que tú vayas al mercado. (I want you to go to the market.)
• Doubt/Uncertainty: Dudo que, Es posible que
  • Dudo que ellos lleguen a tiempo. (I doubt they will arrive on time.)
• Emotion: Me alegra que, Siento que
  • Me alegra que tú estés aquí. (I’m glad that you are here.)
• Impersonal Expressions: Es importante que, Es necesario que
  • Es importante que tú estudies para el examen. (It’s important that you study for the exam.)

See more Spanish subjunctive triggers.

4. Comparing Subjunctive and Present Tense in Sentences

Let’s compare how the meaning changes when you use the present indicative versus the present subjunctive:

• Present Tense (Indicative): Creo que él viene a la fiesta.
  (I believe that he is coming to the party.)
  The speaker believes it as a fact.

• Subjunctive: No creo que él venga a la fiesta.
  (I don’t believe that he is coming to the party.)
  The speaker doubts the action.

• Present Tense (Indicative): Ella dice que estudia todos los días.
  (She says that she studies every day.)
  A factual statement according to the speaker. Also, there is no change of subject.

• Subjunctive: Ella le estudie que estudie todos los días.
  (She tells him to study every day.)
  With the change of subject, it is subjunctive.

Conclusion

The present (indicative) and present subjunctive tenses serve different purposes in Spanish. The indicative is for expressing certainty and facts, while the subjunctive is used for uncertainty, desires, emotions, and hypotheticals. By recognizing the triggers and understanding the context in which each tense is used, you can more effectively communicate the nuances of your thoughts in Spanish. Keep practicing, and soon the distinction between the two will become second nature!