B1 Spanish grammar

Spanish Present Subjunctive: Regular Forms and Formation

Build the present subjunctive from the present indicative yo form. The endings switch their main vowel: -ar verbs use e and -er/-ir verbs use a.

Spanish present subjunctive: Start from the yo form

Remove the -o from the present indicative yo form to find the subjunctive stem.

Tengo → tenga; conozco → conozca.
I have → that I have; I know → that I know.The yo form carries irregular stem information into the subjunctive.

Quick check

Subjunctive stem from hago:

Use opposite-vowel -ar endings

Regular -ar verbs use -e, -es, -e, -emos, -éis, and -en in the present subjunctive.

Espero que hables con ella.
I hope you speak with her.Hablar takes the tú subjunctive ending -es.

Use -er and -ir endings with a

Regular -er and -ir verbs use -a, -as, -a, -amos, -áis, and -an.

Es importante que comamos bien.
It is important that we eat well.Comer takes the nosotros ending -amos.

Common mistakes

conocer → conoca

conozco → conozca

Start from conozco, not directly from the infinitive.

Espero que hablas con ella.

Espero que hables con ella.

The subordinate clause needs the subjunctive form.

Es importante que comemos bien.

Es importante que comamos bien.

The evaluation triggers a subjunctive clause.

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Present subjunctive FAQ

What does present subjunctive cover?

Build the present subjunctive from the present indicative yo form. The endings switch their main vowel: -ar verbs use e and -er/-ir verbs use a.

What is the first rule to remember?

Remove the -o from the present indicative yo form to find the subjunctive stem.

What is another important B1 pattern?

Regular -ar verbs use -e, -es, -e, -emos, -éis, and -en in the present subjunctive.

How can I practise Spanish present subjunctive?

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

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