2.5: Sección 1 - Usando el subjuntivo

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The Subjunctive in Noun Clauses

A noun clause is a dependent clause that acts as a noun, and because it is a dependent clause, it will usually be paired with an independent clause. Noun clauses represent a specific context in which the subjunctive can appear. As you continue your study of Spanish, you will also learn when to use the subjunctive in adverbial and adjective clauses.

The subjunctive is used in noun clauses when the following conditions arise:

1. The main verb (independent) is one of influence, emotion, or the expression Ojalá

Influencia: aconsejar, decir, insistir, mandar, pedir, preferir, prohibir, querer, recomendar, rogar, sugerir
Emoción: alegrarse, esperar, molestar, sentir, sorprender, temer
Ojalá (que)

2. The conjunction "que" links the independent clause to a dependent clause (where most of the action is at this point).

Carmen quiere que vayan a restaurantes típicos ecuatorianos.

3. There is a change of subject between the two clauses

Felipe prefiere que ellos tomen sus vacaciones en febrero.

Subject 1 Subject 2

All three elements must be present for the subjunctive to appear in the clause following "que". If they do not appear, then it is likely that the infinitive will follow the conjugated verb. In the examples below, we list the three requirements for the subjunctive to appear in the dependent noun clause. Since the examples don't have all three prerequisites, the infinitive is used.

Felipe prefiere (viajar) _________ en avión.

Verb of Influence? √
Change of subject? X
The conjunction "que"? X

Felipe prefiere viajar en avión.
Infinitive

Carmen quiere (tomar) el autobús para ahorrar dinero.

Verb of Influence? √
Change of subject? X
The conjunction "que"? X

Carmen quiere tomar el autobús para ahorrar dinero.
Infintive

The phrase "ojalá" is a somewhat exceptional because it's not a verb, and it may or may not have a "que" following it. However, it always requires the subjunctive.

Ojalá (que) lo pasen bien en Ecuador.

Just remember that ojalá will always require the subjunctive.

Videolección

¡A practicar!

Actividad 1

Actividad 2

Actividad 3

Actividad 4: Bienvenidxs

(Video created by Erin Huebener: CC-BY-NC-SA)

Paso 1: Mira el vídeo para escuchar los consejos que un estudiante les da a unxs estudiantes nuevxs.

Paso 2: En parejas, hagan una lista de consejos para estudiantes nuevxs en su ciudad. ¿Qué deben hacer? ¿Dónde pueden comer fuera del campus?