B1 Spanish grammar

Indicative vs Subjunctive in Spanish: Fact or Viewpoint

Mood communicates how a clause is framed. The indicative presents information; the subjunctive places it inside a wish, reaction, doubt, judgment, purpose, or non-specific reference.

indicative vs subjunctive Spanish: Present information with the indicative

Use the indicative when the speaker asserts, reports, or treats the subordinate clause as information.

Sé que Ana trabaja aquí.
I know Ana works here.Sé que presents the work as known information.

Quick check

I know he is here.

Use subjunctive after a framing expression

Wants, emotions, judgments, doubt, and purpose frame another clause instead of simply asserting it.

Me alegra que estés aquí.
I am glad you are here.The clause is presented through an emotional reaction.

Notice the subject relationship

With one subject, Spanish often uses an infinitive; with different subjects, que introduces a conjugated subordinate clause.

Quiero salir, pero quiero que tú vengas.
I want to leave, but I want you to come.The first wish shares a subject; the second does not.

Common mistakes

Sé que Ana trabaje aquí.

Sé que Ana trabaja aquí.

Affirmative knowledge normally selects the indicative.

Me alegra que estás aquí.

Me alegra que estés aquí.

The reaction triggers the subjunctive.

Quiero que salir.

Quiero salir.

A same-subject action normally uses the infinitive without que.

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Indicative or subjunctive FAQ

What does indicative or subjunctive cover?

Mood communicates how a clause is framed. The indicative presents information; the subjunctive places it inside a wish, reaction, doubt, judgment, purpose, or non-specific reference.

What is the first rule to remember?

Use the indicative when the speaker asserts, reports, or treats the subordinate clause as information.

What is another important B1 pattern?

Wants, emotions, judgments, doubt, and purpose frame another clause instead of simply asserting it.

How can I practise indicative vs subjunctive Spanish?

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

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