B1 Spanish grammar

Spanish Impersonal Expressions: Indicative or Subjunctive?

Impersonal judgments and recommendations often use es plus an adjective or a verb such as conviene, followed by que and the subjunctive. Expressions asserting certainty normally use indicative.

impersonal expressions subjunctive: Make value judgments

Use the subjunctive after es bueno, es importante, es raro, and similar evaluations.

Es importante que participes.
It is important that you participate.The main expression evaluates the action.

Quick check

Choose the Spanish translation.

It is good that they help.

Express necessity or recommendation

Use es necesario que, hace falta que, and conviene que with the subjunctive.

Conviene que reserves con tiempo.
It is advisable that you book in advance.Conviene recommends the action.

Use indicative for asserted certainty

Affirmative expressions such as es cierto que, es evidente que, and está claro que present information and take indicative.

Está claro que necesitamos ayuda.
It is clear that we need help.The statement asserts the need as information.

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Translate into Spanish

It is important that you participate.

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Choose the opening of the sentence.

Common mistakes

Es importante que participas.

Es importante que participes.

The evaluation triggers the subjunctive.

Hace falta que traes el pasaporte.

Hace falta que traigas el pasaporte.

Necessity selects the subjunctive.

Es evidente que necesitemos ayuda.

Es evidente que necesitamos ayuda.

Affirmative certainty uses indicative.

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Impersonal judgments FAQ

What does impersonal judgments cover?

Impersonal judgments and recommendations often use es plus an adjective or a verb such as conviene, followed by que and the subjunctive. Expressions asserting certainty normally use indicative.

What is the first rule to remember?

Use the subjunctive after es bueno, es importante, es raro, and similar evaluations.

What is another important B1 pattern?

Use es necesario que, hace falta que, and conviene que with the subjunctive.

How can I practise impersonal expressions subjunctive?

Complete the focused round, review each correction, and repeat the lesson when its skills become due again.

Continue learning

Wants and influenceUse the subjunctive after verbs of wanting, requesting, recommending, and influencing when subjects differ.Emotions and reactionsUse the subjunctive after expressions of happiness, sadness, surprise, fear, and annoyance about another clause.Doubt and denialContrast affirmative belief with doubt, denial, and negated opinion to choose the mood.Complete B1 Spanish grammar courseSee every B1 unit and continue through the course in order.Spanish tense guidesCompare the major tense systems used throughout this course.