Learn how to use consecutive adverbial clauses in Spanish with both indicative and subjunctive moods. This lesson covers key connectors such as 'por eso', 'por lo tanto' (indicative), and 'para que', 'a fin de que' (subjunctive), explaining when to express factual consequences or expected outcomes. Includes practical examples and notes on differences with English usage.
- We use the indicative when the consequence is objective and evident. Common connectors are "por eso", "por lo tanto".
- We use the subjunctive when we want to show an expected or desired consequence. Common connectors are "para que", "a fin de que".
| Modo | Conectores | Ejemplo |
|---|---|---|
| Indicativo | Por eso | El accidente es grave por eso llamamos al servicio técnico. (The accident is serious therefore we call the technical service.) |
| Por lo tanto | El técnico no llegó a tiempo por lo tanto la emergencia sigue sin resolverse. (The technician did not arrive on time therefore the emergency remains unresolved.) | |
| Subjuntivo | Para que | Hay que arreglar el daño para que el sistema funcione automáticamente. (The damage must be fixed so that the system works automatically.) |
| A fin de que | La empresa decide renovar el contrato a fin de que el servicio técnico arregle los sistemas dañados. (The company decides to renew the contract a fin de que the technical service arregle the damaged systems.) |
Exercise 1: Oraciones subordinadas adverbiales consecutivas de indicativo y subjuntivo
Instruction: Fill in the correct word.
por lo tanto, por eso, para que
1.
El técnico llegó tarde ... el daño sigue sin arreglarse.
(The technician arrived late, so the damage remains unrepaired.)
2.
El sistema automático está estropeado ... no funciona correctamente.
(The automatic system is broken; therefore, it does not work properly.)
3.
El daño en la máquina es grave ... cancelamos la entrega.
(The damage to the machine is severe, which is why we cancelled the delivery.)
4.
El accidente afectó al sistema automático ... el servicio técnico debe intervenir.
(The accident affected the automatic system; therefore, the technical service must intervene.)
5.
El técnico está ocupado ... no puede arreglar el sistema estropeado hoy.
(The technician is busy therefore he cannot fix the broken system today.)
6.
El accidente fue menor ... la emergencia no requiere atención inmediata.
(The accident was minor; therefore, the emergency does not require immediate attention.)
7.
El servicio técnico renueva el contrato ... los problemas no se repitan.
(The technical service renews the contract so that the problems do not happen again.)
8.
El cliente quiere renovar el seguro ... cubra cualquier emergencia futura.
(The client wants to renew the insurance so that it covers any future emergency.)