Learn how to form and use the present subjunctive tense with regular -ar verbs in Spanish. This lesson explains conjugation patterns, common expressions that trigger the subjunctive, and practical examples to help express wishes, doubts, and emotions effectively.
- Verbs ending in -ar form the subjunctive with the stem + -e, -es, -e, -emos, -éis, -en.
- Verbs ending in -er/-ir form the subjunctive with the stem + -a, -as, -a, -amos, -áis, -an.
- It is used after expressions such as: quiero que, espero que, dudo que, ojalá.
| Pronombre (Pronoun) | Verbo: mandar (verb: to send) | Ejemplo (Example) |
|---|---|---|
| Yo | Mande | Él quiere que yo mande la carta |
| Tú | Mandes | Es importante que mandes un email. |
| Él / Ella | Mande | Quiero que ella mande el mensaje. |
| Nosotros/as | Mandemos | Ojalá que mandemos el currículum a tiempo. |
| Vosotros/as | Mandéis | Es raro que mandéis postales. |
| Ellos/as | Manden | Dudo que ellos manden la firma hoy. |
Exceptions!
- Ser is irregular: sea, seas, sea, seamos, seáis, sean.
Exercise 1: El presente de subjuntivo: Los verbos regulares
Instruction: Fill in the correct word.
recibamos, recibas, envíe, sea
1.
Recibir (tú):
Prefiero que ... el paquete en mano.
(I prefer that you receive the package by hand.)
2.
Recibir (tú):
Espero que ... mi carta pronto.
(I hope you receive my letter soon.)
3.
Ser (ella):
Es necesario que ... puntual para la reunión.
(It is necessary that you be punctual for the meeting.)
4.
Recibir (nosotros):
Ojalá que ... una respuesta rápida.
(Hopefully we receive a quick response.)
5.
Enviar:
Dudo que él ... el email hoy.
(I doubt that he sends the email today.)
6.
Ser:
Deseo que ... un día productivo para todos.
(I hope it is a productive day for everyone.)
7.
Enviar (yo):
No creo que ... un mensaje tan tarde.
(I don't think he/she will send a message so late.)
8.
Ser:
Quiero que ella ... feliz con su decisión.
(I want her to be happy with her decision.)
Exercise 2: Multiple Choice
Instruction: Choose the correct sentence that properly uses the present subjunctive in each block. Pay attention to the verb endings and the context to identify common mistakes.
1.
It is incorrect to use 'mandes' with 'she'; the correct form is 'mande' for he/she in subjunctive.
'Mandó' is in the preterite tense, not subjunctive; here subjunctive is needed after 'I hope that'.
2.
The form 'mande' is for he/she; for 'we' it should be 'mandemos'.
'Mandamos' is indicative, not subjunctive; subjunctive is required after 'I doubt that'.
3.
'Mandas' is indicative, the subjunctive 'mandes' should be used after 'I want that'.
'Mande' corresponds to he/she; for 'you' it should be 'mandes'.
4.
'Mandasen' is imperfect subjunctive; the present is required according to context and explanation.
'Manda' is indicative; subjunctive is needed with 'hopefully that'.