Teaching guidelines +/- 15 minutes

  1. Verbs ending in -ar form the subjunctive with the stem + -e, -es, -e, -emos, -éis, -en.
  2. Verbs ending in -er/-ir form the subjunctive with the stem + -a, -as, -a, -amos, -áis, -an.
  3. It is used after expressions such as: quiero que, espero que, dudo que, ojalá.
Pronombre (Pronoun)Verbo: mandar (verb: to send)Ejemplo (Example)
YoMandeÉl quiere que yo mande la carta
MandesEs importante que mandes un email.
Él / EllaMandeQuiero que ella mande el mensaje.
Nosotros/asMandemosOjalá que mandemos el currículum a tiempo.
Vosotros/asMandéisEs raro que mandéis postales.
Ellos/asMandenDudo que ellos manden la firma hoy.

 

Exceptions!

  1. Ser is irregular: sea, seas, sea, seamos, seáis, sean.

Exercise 1: El presente de subjuntivo: Los verbos regulares

Instruction: Fill in the correct word.

Show translation Show answers

recibamos, recibas, envíe, sea

1. Recibir (tú):
Prefiero que ... el paquete en mano.
(I prefer that you receive the package by hand.)
2. Recibir (tú):
Espero que ... mi carta pronto.
(I hope you receive my letter soon.)
3. Ser (ella):
Es necesario que ... puntual para la reunión.
(It is necessary that you be punctual for the meeting.)
4. Recibir (nosotros):
Ojalá que ... una respuesta rápida.
(Hopefully we receive a quick response.)
5. Enviar:
Dudo que él ... el email hoy.
(I doubt that he sends the email today.)
6. Ser:
Deseo que ... un día productivo para todos.
(I hope it is a productive day for everyone.)
7. Enviar (yo):
No creo que ... un mensaje tan tarde.
(I don't think he/she will send a message so late.)
8. Ser:
Quiero que ella ... feliz con su decisión.
(I want her to be happy with her decision.)

Exercise 2: Multiple Choice

Instruction: Choose the correct sentence that properly uses the present subjunctive in each block. Pay attention to the verb endings and the context to identify common mistakes.

1.
It is not correct to use 'mandes' with 'she'; the correct form is 'mande' for he/she in subjunctive.
'Mandó' is in the past tense, not subjunctive; here subjunctive is needed after 'I hope that'.
2.
The form 'mande' is for he/she; for 'we' it should be 'mandemos'.
'Mandamos' is indicative, not subjunctive; subjunctive is required after 'I doubt that'.
3.
'Mandas' is in indicative, subjunctive 'mandes' should be used after 'I want that'.
'Mande' corresponds to he/she; for 'you' you should use 'mandes'.
4.
'Mandasen' is past imperfect subjunctive; the present is required according to the context and explanation.
'Manda' is indicative; subjunctive is needed with 'I hope that'.

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