B2 Spanish grammar

Spanish Infinitive vs Que Clauses: Subject and Time

Spanish often chooses between a compact infinitive and a finite que clause. Subject reference makes the first decision; general versus specified meaning and completed-action viewpoint refine it.

Shared subject

main verb/expression + infinitive

Use the infinitive when the same understood subject owns both actions, or when an impersonal statement is general.

Different or specified subject

main verb/expression + que + finite verb

Use a conjugated que clause when the dependent action has its own subject.

Infinitive or que clause

Meaning	Shared/general	Different/specified
open action	Quiero salir.	Quiero que salgas.
impersonal evaluation	Es importante descansar.	Es importante que descanses.
completed action	Lamento haber llegado tarde.	Lamento que hayas llegado tarde.

After que, use a finite verb. A perfect infinitive uses haber + participle without que.

Spanish infinitive vs que clause: Choose from shared or different subjects

Use an infinitive when the understood subject of both actions is the same; use que plus a finite verb when another explicit subject performs the dependent action.

Quiero salir. Quiero que salgas.

I want to leave. I want you to leave.The infinitive shares the yo subject; the que clause introduces tú.

Quick check

We hope to arrive early.

Distinguish a general action from a specified subject

After an impersonal evaluation, use an infinitive for a general action and que plus subjunctive when the evaluation applies to a named or understood subject.

Es importante descansar. Es importante que descanses.

It is important to rest. It is important that you rest.The first is general; the second directs the evaluation toward tú.

Choose a perfect infinitive or a perfect que clause

Use haber plus a participle when the main-clause subject owns the completed action; use que plus perfect subjunctive when another subject owns it.

Lamento haber llegado tarde. Lamento que hayas llegado tarde.

I regret having arrived late. I regret that you arrived late.Both actions are complete, but their subjects differ.

Common mistakes

Quiero que salir.

Quiero salir / Quiero que salgas.

After que, an explicit dependent subject needs a conjugated verb.

Es importante que descansar.

Es importante descansar / Es importante que descanses.

A que clause needs a finite verb and a recoverable subject.

Lamento que haber llegado tarde.

Lamento haber llegado tarde / Lamento que hayas llegado tarde.

A perfect infinitive has no que; a que clause needs a conjugated form of haber.

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Infinitive or que clause FAQ

What does infinitive or que clause cover?

Spanish often chooses between a compact infinitive and a finite que clause. Subject reference makes the first decision; general versus specified meaning and completed-action viewpoint refine it.

What is the first rule to remember?

Use an infinitive when the understood subject of both actions is the same; use que plus a finite verb when another explicit subject performs the dependent action.

What is another important B2 pattern?

After an impersonal evaluation, use an infinitive for a general action and que plus subjunctive when the evaluation applies to a named or understood subject.

How can I practise Spanish infinitive vs que clause?

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

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Subjunctive sequence of tensesChoose present, perfect, imperfect, or past-perfect subjunctive forms from the trigger's viewpoint and the dependent action's time.Past emotions and wishesUse imperfect or past-perfect subjunctive after past emotions and wishes, distinguishing simultaneous or later actions from earlier completed ones.Reported requests in the pastReport past requests and commands while preserving speaker roles, distinguishing statements from instructions, and locating requested actions in time.Spanish infinitive patternsReview common same-subject and impersonal infinitive structures.Querer que and different subjectsReview the foundational subject change that triggers a finite subjunctive clause.Para or para queCompare the same subject distinction inside purpose clauses.