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Learn to express opinions and recommendations in Spanish using the present subjunctive with expressions like "Es importante que", "Es mejor que", and "Es necesario que" followed by verbs in subjunctive form such as "resolvamos" and "hablemos".
  1. The present subjunctive is also used to express recommendations and opinions.
  2. We then use the following structure: "es" + adjective + "que" + subjunctive.
ExpresiónEjemplo
Es importante que (It is important that)Es importante que resolvamos el conflicto ahora. (It is important that we resolve the conflict now.)
Es mejor que (It's better that)Es mejor que hablemos ahora sobre nuestro desacuerdo. (It is better that we talk now about our disagreement.)
Es necesario que (It is necessary that)Es necesario que tengamos un plan antes de seguir con la discusión. (It is necessary that we have a plan before continuing with the discussion.)
Es bueno que (It is good that)Es bueno que tengas mucha experiencia en planear estrategias. (It is good that you have a lot of experience in planning strategies.)

Exercise 1: Subjuntivo (presente): opiniones y recomendaciones

Instruction: Fill in the correct word.

Show translation Show answers

estemos, tengas, hablemos, resuelvas, lleguemos, encuentres, tenga, encontremos

1. Hablar:
Es mejor que nosotros ... primero para llegar a un acuerdo.
(It is better that we speak first in order to reach an agreement.)
2. Llegar:
Es importante que ... a un acuerdo en la reunión. Necesitamos trabajar en equipo.
(It is important that we reach an agreement at the meeting. We need to work as a team.)
3. Tener:
Pedro, ¿no es mejor que ... una alternativa?
(Pedro, isn't it better for you to have an alternative?)
4. Tener:
Es importante que nuestro grupo ... una buena estrategia para ganar la discusión.
(It is important that our group has a good strategy to win the discussion.)
5. Estar:
Es bueno que ... todos de acuerdo.
(It is good that we all agree.)
6. Encontrar:
María, es bueno que ... todas las alternativas antes de tomar una decisión final.
(María, it is good that you find all the alternatives before making a final decision.)
7. Encontrar:
Si queremos seguir trabajando aquí, es necesario que ... una solución para este desafío.
(If we want to continue working here, it is necessary that we find a solution to this challenge.)
8. Resolver:
Ana, es importante que ... tu desacuerdo con Juan.
(Ana, it is important that you resolve your disagreement with Juan.)

Understanding the Present Subjunctive: Opinions and Recommendations

This lesson focuses on the use of the present subjunctive mood in Spanish to express opinions and give recommendations. It is designed for B1 level learners who already have some foundational knowledge of Spanish verbs and wish to expand their ability to communicate nuanced thoughts and advice.

What You Will Learn

You will learn how to structure sentences with the present subjunctive following certain expressions that convey opinions or recommendations. These structures are essential for polite and effective communication in everyday and professional contexts.

Common Expressions and Examples

ExpressionExample
Es importante queEs importante que resolvamos el conflicto ahora.
Es mejor queEs mejor que hablemos ahora sobre nuestro desacuerdo.
Es necesario queEs necesario que tengamos un plan antes de seguir con la discusión.
Es bueno queEs bueno que tengas mucha experiencia en planear estrategias.

Structure of Sentences Using the Subjunctive

When giving opinions or recommendations, Spanish uses a specific pattern:

  • es + adjective + que + subjunctive verb

For example, "Es importante que resolvamos el conflicto ahora." Here, "es importante que" introduces the recommendation, which is followed by the verb in the present subjunctive "resolvamos."

Key Highlights

  • The subjunctive is triggered after expressions of judgment, necessity, or preference.
  • Common adjectives include importante, mejor, necesario, and bueno.
  • The verb following "que" is always in the present subjunctive mood.

Differences Between English and Spanish in Expressing Opinions and Recommendations

In English, recommendations and opinions often use modal verbs like "should" or phrases such as "it is important to..." whereas Spanish uses the subjunctive mood triggered by expressions like "es importante que." This means that while English may use infinitives or modal verb constructions, Spanish requires verb conjugation in the subjunctive after these expressions.

Useful Spanish phrases to express opinions or recommendations include:

  • Es importante que (It is important that)
  • Es mejor que (It is better that)
  • Es necesario que (It is necessary that)
  • Es bueno que (It is good that)

These expressions are used before a verb in the present subjunctive to give advice or state opinions, playing a crucial role in polite and formal communication.

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