The best way to learn the subjunctive is to practice using the subjunctive out loud. I’ve received a lot of positive feedback about my series of 20 interactive audio lessons covering the subjunctive, so I decided I would feature a premium lesson from the subjunctive series in my blog. This will give you a taste of the premium lessons in my Spanish Grammar Subscription. Today I will feature a premium lesson: “Subj05 – Influence, Emotion, & Judgment.”
Influence, Emotion, and Judgment Triggers the Subjunctive
This lesson covers the use of the subjunctive following a main clause that expresses one of the following attitudes:
- influence
- emotion
- judgment
Subordinate Noun Clause
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In this premium lesson, you will hear me refer to the subordinate noun clause. You don’t need to understand the term subordinate noun clause to understand this lesson, but if you’re curious, check out this quiz on the subjunctive in subordinate noun clauses.
When the main clause exerts influence over the subordinate clause, the subjunctive is triggered. Compare the use of the indicative vs the subjunctive in the following examples:
- Es cierto que voy mañana. (It’s true that I go tomorrow.)
- I am simply reporting reality, and thus the indicative is used.
- Es urgente que vaya mañana. (It’s urgent that I go tomorrow.)
- Here, I am trying to influence the outcome of the action in the subordinate noun clause, and thus the subjunctive is used.
What is an Impersonal Expression?
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“Es urgente” is an example of an impersonal expression. It is called an impersonal expression because no personal subject is expressed.
Verbs and impersonal expressions exert influence over the outcome of the action/event that follows when they express desire, need, hope, urgency, advice, or a request/command.
Additionally, when the main clause expresses an emotional reaction or value judgment, the subjunctive is triggered.
Don’t worry if you are a little overwhelmed. The best learning comes from doing. After we go through the examples below, you’ll have it down.
Now, SPEAK SOME SPANISH!
Impersonal Expressions of Influence
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Es urgente que termines rápido.
(It’s urgent that you finish quickly.)
OJO: If NO SUBJECT IS SPECIFIED, the impersonal expression is followed by the INFINITIVE.
Es urgente terminar rápido.
(It’s urgent to finish quickly.)
Es importante que sigamos las reglas.
(It’s important that we follow the rules.)
Es importante seguir las reglas.
(It’s important to follow the rules.)
Era obligatorio asistir a clase.
(It was mandatory to attend class.)
Era obligatorio que nosotros asistiéramos / asistiésemos a clase.
(It was mandatory that we attended class.)
Fue preciso hablar con ellos.
(It was necessary to speak to them.)
Fue preciso que Monica hablara / hablase con ellos.
(It was necessary that Monica spoke with them.)
No hace falta que lo digan.
(They do not need to say it.)
No hace falta decirlo.
(There’s no need to say it.)
Urge que pongamos manos a la obra.
(It’s urgent that we get to work.)
Urge poner manos a la obra.
(It’s urgent to get to work.)
Expressing Emotion or Judgment
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When the main clause expresses an emotional reaction or value judgment, with regard to the verb in the subo...
