Learn how to form and use the presente de subjuntivo with regular -ar verbs like mandar (to send), including forms like mande, mandes, mandemos, and their use after expressions such as quiero que, dudo que, and ojalá.
  1. Verbs ending in -ar form the subjunctive with the stem + -e, -es, -e, -emos, -éis, -en.
  2. Verbs ending in -er/-ir form the subjunctive with the stem + -a, -as, -a, -amos, -áis, -an.
  3. It is used after expressions such as: quiero que, espero que, dudo que, ojalá.
Pronombre (Pronoun)Verbo: mandar (verb: to send)Ejemplo (Example)
YoMandeÉl quiere que yo mande la carta
MandesEs importante que mandes un email.
Él / EllaMandeQuiero que ella mande el mensaje.
Nosotros/asMandemosOjalá que mandemos el currículum a tiempo.
Vosotros/asMandéisEs raro que mandéis postales.
Ellos/asMandenDudo que ellos manden la firma hoy.

 

Exceptions!

  1. Ser is irregular: sea, seas, sea, seamos, seáis, sean.

Exercise 1: El presente de subjuntivo: Los verbos regulares

Instruction: Fill in the correct word.

Show translation Show answers

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 verb endings and context to identify common errors.

1.
It is not appropriate to use 'mandes' with 'ella'; the correct form is 'mande' for he/she in subjunctive.
'Mandó' is in the preterite, not subjunctive; here subjunctive is needed after 'espero que'.
2.
The form 'mande' is for he/she; for 'nosotros' it should be 'mandemos'.
'Mandamos' is indicative, not subjunctive; subjunctive is required after 'dudo que'.
3.
'Mandas' is indicative, subjunctive 'mandes' should be used after 'quiero que'.
'Mande' corresponds to he/she; for 'tú' it should be 'mandes'.
4.
'Mandasen' is past imperfect subjunctive; the present is required according to context and explanation.
'Manda' is indicative; subjunctive is needed with 'ojalá que'.

The Present Subjunctive: Regular Verbs

This lesson focuses on the present subjunctive mood in Spanish, specifically using regular verbs ending in -ar. The present subjunctive is essential for expressing wishes, doubts, emotions, and hypothetical situations.

Conjugation Pattern

For regular -ar verbs like mandar (to send), the present subjunctive is formed by taking the verb stem and adding these endings: -e, -es, -e, -emos, -éis, -en.

Pronoun Verb: mandar Example
Yo mande Él quiere que yo mande la carta
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.

Usage of the Present Subjunctive

The present subjunctive is used after expressions that convey desire, uncertainty, or emotion, such as:

  • quiero que (I want that)
  • espero que (I hope that)
  • dudo que (I doubt that)
  • ojalá (hopefully)

Note that verbs ending in -er and -ir form the present subjunctive with a different set of endings: -a, -as, -a, -amos, -áis, -an. For example, the verb comer (to eat) conjugates as coma, comas, coma, comamos, comáis, coman.

Irregular Verb Example

The verb ser is irregular in the present subjunctive and conjugates as: sea, seas, sea, seamos, seáis, sean.

Important Highlights

  • The present subjunctive differs from the indicative mood; it is not used for statements of fact but for subjective or uncertain situations.
  • Endings vary depending on verb endings (-ar vs -er/-ir).
  • Common trigger expressions like quiero que and ojalá are keys to using the subjunctive correctly.

Note on Differences Between English and Spanish

Unlike English, Spanish has a specific verb form to express wishes, doubts, or emotions through the subjunctive mood. In English, these are usually conveyed with modal verbs or different sentence structures, such as "I want you to send..." rather than changing the verb ending. For example, Spanish uses Espero que él mande la carta (I hope that he sends the letter), where mande is subjunctive. In English, the verb does not change form.

Useful phrases introducing the subjunctive:

  • Quiero que… – I want that…
  • Espero que… – I hope that…
  • Dudo que… – I doubt that…
  • Ojalá que… – Hopefully…

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