Master the present subjunctive in Spanish to express opinions and recommendations using phrases like "Te recomiendo que," "Es importante que," and "Es necesario que." This lesson focuses on practical vocabulary and expressions to communicate advice and needs effectively.
  1. We use the subjunctive to express advice, opinions, needs, or evaluations.
  2. Common expressions are: "Te recomiendo/aconsejo que, es importante que, es necesario que, es mejor que".
Expresión       Ejemplo
Te recomiendo queTe recomiendo que mires la agenda antes de reunirte con los participantes de la conferencia. (I recommend that you look at the agenda before meeting with the conference participants.)
Es importante queEs importante que el profesional dirija la propuesta de manera clara para evitar una contrapropuesta innecesaria. (It is important that the professional direct the proposal clearly to avoid an unnecessary counterproposal.)
Es necesario queEs necesario que todos los participantes hablen entre sí antes de tomar una decisión productiva. (It is necessary that all participants talk to each other before making a productive decision.)
Es mejor queEs mejor que la conferencia incluya tiempo para discutir la propuesta y la contrapropuesta de forma organizada. (It is better that the conference includes time to discuss the proposal and the counterproposal in an organised way.)

Exercise 1: Subjuntivo presente: opiniones y recomendaciones

Instruction: Fill in the correct word.

Show translation Show answers

sea, prepares, organices, lleguen, propongas, miren, discuta, acepten

1. Proponer:
Te recomiendo que ... una solución más productiva durante la reunión.
(I recommend that you propose a more productive solution during the meeting.)
2. Organizar:
Te recomiendo que ... la agenda antes de reunirte con los participantes.
(I recommend that you organise the agenda before meeting with the participants.)
3. Mirar:
Es necesario que los participantes ... la contrapropuesta antes de tomar una decisión final.
(It is necessary that the participants look at the counterproposal before making a final decision.)
4. Aceptar:
Es importante que todos los participantes ... la decisión final.
(It is important that all participants accept the final decision.)
5. Preparar:
Te aconsejo que ... una decisión alternativa en caso de que rechacen la primera propuesta.
(I advise you to prepare an alternative decision in case they reject the first proposal.)
6. Discutir:
Es mejor que el equipo profesional ... la agenda antes de la conferencia.
(It is better that the professional team discusses the agenda before the conference.)
7. Llegar:
Es necesario que todos los participantes ... puntuales a la reunión.
(It is necessary that all participants arrive on time for the meeting.)
8. Ser:
Es importante que la reunión ... productiva.
(It is important that the meeting be productive.)

Present Subjunctive: Expressing Opinions and Recommendations

This lesson focuses on using the present subjunctive in Spanish to communicate opinions, recommendations, and necessities effectively. It's designed for students at the B1 intermediate level who want to enhance their ability to give advice and express subjective judgments in Spanish.

Understanding the Present Subjunctive

The present subjunctive is a verb form used when expressing desires, advice, opinions, or necessities—situations that involve subjectivity or uncertainty.

Common Expressions to Use with the Present Subjunctive

  • Te recomiendo que (I recommend that)
  • Es importante que (It is important that)
  • Es necesario que (It is necessary that)
  • Es mejor que (It is better that)

Examples to Practice

ExpressionExample
Te recomiendo queTe recomiendo que mires la agenda antes de reunirte con los participantes de la conferencia.
Es importante queEs importante que el profesional dirija la propuesta de manera clara para evitar una contrapropuesta innecesaria.
Es necesario queEs necesario que todos los participantes hablen entre sí antes de tomar una decisión productiva.
Es mejor queEs mejor que la conferencia incluya tiempo para discutir la propuesta y la contrapropuesta de forma organizada.

Key Points to Remember

  • The verb in the subordinate clause following these expressions uses the present subjunctive form.
  • These expressions often introduce advice, subjective judgments, or recommendations.
  • The subjunctive is essential to convey the speaker's attitude rather than factual information.

Comparison with English

Unlike in English, where modal verbs or certain constructions convey recommendations or opinions (e.g., "I recommend you look at..."), Spanish requires the present subjunctive mood to express similar meanings after key expressions. The subjunctive verbs like mires, dirija, hablen, incluya reflect nuances that English expresses through tone or modal auxiliaries.

Useful phrases to translate your intent:

  • Te recomiendo que = "I recommend that you..."
  • Es importante que = "It is important that..."
  • Es necesario que = "It is necessary that..."
  • Es mejor que = "It is better that..."

This lesson equips you to confidently form recommendations and express opinions with subtlety and clarity in Spanish conversation and writing.

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