Subjunctive and Commands

The subjunctive is used by using a certain verb+que+subjunctive verb. Find the subjunctive of verbs by finding the yo form, dropping the o, and changing the ending from a-e or e/i-a.

Example: Yo como pan. Espero que (yo) coma pan. (coma, comas, coma, comamos, coman)

When is the subjunctive used?

• Expressing persuasion/suggestion (recomendar/aconsejar/sugerir/querer/desear/pedir/insistir)

• Expressing hope (ojala’r/esperar)

• Expressing emotion (temer/sentir/alegrarse)

• Impersonal expressions

  a) Use indicative with these SIX: Es Cierto, Es Evidente, Es Obvio, Es Seguro, Es Verdad, Es Induable

  b) Use subjuntive with everything else

• Expressing doubt or uncertainty

  a. Dudar (to doubt) use subjunctive

  b. Dudar with negative (no dudar/ I do not doubt) is indicative

  a. With Creer y Pensar use indicative

  b. With negative Creer y Pensar use subjunctive

Irregulars in the Subjunctive

There are six irregulars in the subjunctive.

• Saber-Sepa

• Ser-Sea

• Ir-Vaya

• Estar-Este’

• Dar-De’

• Haber-Haya

Irregular Tu’

Tu’ is irregular in subjunctive commands. To use the affirmative Tu’, use the third person singular of the present indicative.

Example: Tu comes. → (Tu) come.

The negative Tu’ stays normal subjunctive.

8 Irregulars of Tu’

mnemonic: Vin Diesel Has Ten Weapons

Vin Di Sal Haz Ten Ve Pon Se’

Venir Decir Salir Hacer Tener Ir Poner Ser

Commands

Commands are used by taking the subjunctive.

Example: Haz la tarea! (Do your homework!)

Example: Coman la comida! ((they) Eat the food!)

Rules

• When using reflexive verbs (affirmative), the reflexive pronoun must go at the end.

• Example: levanto→levanten→levantense

• Example with Tu’: levanto→levanta→levantate

• When using negative, the reflexive pronoun must go before.

• Example: no levantan→no levanten→no se levanten

• Example with Tu’: no te levantes