The subjunctive is used after some conjunctions in Spanish to express hypothetical conditions or uncertainty, in addition to the other uses we have discussed in When to use the Spanish subjunctive. However, not all the conjunctions trigger the subjunctive. In this post, we will review what conjunctions are, which conjunctions require the subjunctive, and when to use the subjunctive after certain conjunctions that also accompany the indicative. If you want to know more, keep reading!
What is a conjunction?
A conjunction is a word used to connect sentences or parts of sentences. In our previous post, we learned what the main clause and the subordinate clause of a sentence are. We also saw that the subordinate clause is connected to the main clause by the conjunction que meaning that. Sometimes, the main clause can also be connected to the subordinate clause by other conjunctions. Take a look at the following examples:
If this is the case, we can use the subjunctive or the indicative in the subordinate clause. The choice will depend on the conjunction. Some conjunctions require only the subjunctive, while with some others we can use the indicative or the subjunctive. Let’s explore them!
Conjunctions that require the subjunctive
Some Spanish conjunctions, like a menos que and antes de que, always require the subjunctive.
a menos que meaning unless:
No voy a aprobar a menos que estudie mucho.Translation: I am not going to pass the exam unless I study hard.antes de que meaning before:
Llámame antes de que hagas el examen.Translation: Call me before you take your exam.
Conjunctions that require subjunctive or indicative
Some other conjunctions can trigger the subjunctive or the indicative in the subordinate clause. When do we need to use the subjunctive and when do we use the indicative? Well, when the main clause expresses a future event or a command, then, we need to use the subjunctive in the subordinate clause. If, on the other hand, the main clause expresses a past event or a habit in the past, we use the indicative. Let’s dive into it!
Future event or command
Let’s consider the following example:
In the previous example, we have a verb in the Spanish future tense (iremos meaning we will go) in the main clause and we are talking about a future event (i.e., a graduation) thus, we need to use the subjunctive in the subordinate clause.
We observe the same structure when we express commands:
Conjunctions such as tan pronto como meaning as soon as and después de que meaning after follow this pattern and are usually used with the indicative or the subjunctive (it depends on the time expressed). Take a look at the following examples; as observed, when the clause implies future, we need to use the subjunctive, while when it implies a past event, we use the indicative.
If you want to know more conjunctions that go with the indicative and subjunctive, check out the list we created! Also, here you have this acronym that may help you remember the conjunctions that go with the subjunctive and indicative.
To sum up
In this article, we went over the use of the subjunctive after conjunctions. We saw that some conjunctions always require subjunctive in the subordinate clause (antes de que meaning before, a menos que meaning unless, among others). Some other conjunctions can trigger the subjunctive or the indicative but we learned that if we express a future event in the main clause, then the subjunctive must be used in the subordinate clause. On the other hand, if we talk about a past event in the main clause, then the indicative is used.
We created some Spanish exercises to practice the use of the subjunctive after conjunctions. Also, don’t forget to check out the lists of conjunctions so that you know when to use the indicative or the subjunctive!
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