Subjunctive for Wishes, Emotions, and Doubts

The subjunctive is a mood, not a tense. It's used to express subjective ideas like wishes, emotions, doubts, and other non-realities. The key is to look for a specific structure:

Subject 1 + Trigger Verb + que + Subject 2 + Subjunctive Verb

This structure has two parts with two different subjects, connected by que.

Trigger Verbs (WEIRDO)

Think of the acronym WEIRDO to remember when to use the subjunctive:

• Wishes: Verbs expressing a desire or wish for someone else.

  • Espero que **vengas** a la fiesta. (I hope that you come to the party.)
  • Common verbs: querer que, desear que, esperar que, necesitar que.

• Emotions: Verbs expressing an emotional reaction to someone else's actions.

  • Me alegro de que te **guste** el regalo. (I'm happy that you like the gift.)
  • Common verbs: alegrarse de que, sentir que, sorprenderse de que, temer que (to fear that).

• Impersonal Expressions: Phrases that express an opinion or judgment, but are not stated as a fact.

  • Es importante que **estudies**. (It's important that you study.)
  • Common phrases: es bueno que, es necesario que, es una lástima que.

• Recommendations: Verbs for giving advice or making suggestions to others.

  • Te recomiendo que **leas** este libro. (I recommend that you read this book.)
  • Common verbs: recomendar que, sugerir que, aconsejar que.

• Doubt & Denial: Verbs that express uncertainty or deny something.

  • Dudo que él **tenga** la respuesta. (I doubt that he has the answer.)
  • No creo que **llueva** hoy. (I don't think that it will rain today.)
  • Important: When you express certainty (creer que, pensar que), you use the normal indicative mood, not the subjunctive. Compare: Creo que **viene**. (Certainty) vs. No creo que **venga**. (Doubt).

• Ojalá: This word, which means 'I hope' or 'if only', is always followed by the subjunctive.

  • ¡Ojalá **ganemos** el partido! (I hope we win the game!)