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This lesson covers Spanish adverbial consecutive clauses using the indicative with connectors like "por eso" and "por lo tanto" for factual outcomes, and the subjunctive with "para que" and "a fin de que" to express desired consequences.
  1. We use the indicative when the consequence is objective and evident. Common connectors are "por eso", "por lo tanto".
  2. We use the subjunctive when we want to show an expected or desired consequence. Common connectors are "para que", "a fin de que".
ModoConectoresEjemplo
IndicativoPor esoEl accidente es grave por eso llamamos al servicio técnico. (The accident is serious therefore we call the technical service.)
Por lo tantoEl 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.)
SubjuntivoPara queHay que arreglar el daño para que el sistema funcione automáticamente. (The damage must be fixed so that the system works automatically.)
A fin de queLa 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.

Show translation Show answers

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.)

Understanding Consecutive Adverbial Clauses in Spanish: Indicative and Subjunctive

In this lesson, you will learn how to use consecutive adverbial clauses in Spanish, which explain the consequence or result of an action. These clauses are commonly introduced by connectors and can be expressed using either the indicative or subjunctive mood, depending on the nature of the consequence.

Consecutive Clauses with the Indicative Mood

The indicative is used when the consequence is factual, objective, and certain. The connectors por eso and por lo tanto are typical in this context.

  • Por eso – indicates a direct and evident consequence.
    Example: El accidente es grave por eso llamamos al servicio técnico.
  • Por lo tanto – expresses a logical consequence.
    Example: El técnico no llegó a tiempo por lo tanto la emergencia sigue sin resolverse.

Consecutive Clauses with the Subjunctive Mood

The subjunctive is used to express a desired or expected consequence, often reflecting intention or purpose. Common connectors for these cases are para que and a fin de que.

  • Para que – conveys purpose or intention behind an action.
    Example: Hay que arreglar el daño para que el sistema funcione automáticamente.
  • A fin de que – similarly indicates purpose or aim.
    Example: La empresa decide renovar el contrato a fin de que el servicio técnico arregle los sistemas dañados.

Key Points to Remember

  • Use the indicative when the consequence is real and definite.
  • Use the subjunctive when expressing a consequence that is wished for, intended, or not yet realized.
  • Familiarize yourself with common connectors: por eso, por lo tanto, para que, a fin de que.

Differences from English and Useful Terms

In English, we often use connectors like "therefore," "so," "in order that," or "so that" to express consequences and purposes. Spanish distinguishes more clearly between factual consequences using the indicative and hoped-for consequences using the subjunctive. Understanding these nuances will improve your fluency and precision.

Useful terms and phrases:

  • Por eso – therefore, for that reason
  • Por lo tanto – therefore, consequently
  • Para que – so that, in order that (subjunctive required)
  • A fin de que – so that, in order that (subjunctive required)

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