Spanish Imperfect Subjunctive

Big Idea

Spanish Imperfect Subjunctive is about noticing when Spanish speaks from desire, doubt, need, or possibility.

Verbs are the engine of a sentence. Start with the moment in time, then choose the form that carries that moment.

Examples

Example 1

Quiero que vengas.
I want you to come.

Notice vengas: A wish aimed at another person.

Example 2

Es posible que llueva.
It is possible that it will rain.

Notice llueva: Uncertainty or possibility.

Example 3

Busco una casa que tenga luz.
I am looking for a house that has light.

Notice tenga: A not-yet-specific thing.

1. Step 1: Find the trigger: wish, doubt, emotion, request, need, or uncertainty.
2. Step 2: Check whether there is a second subject after que.
3. Step 3: Use the subjunctive form for the action that is not treated as a plain fact.

Watch for this: The trap is treating the subjunctive as a mood of fear. It is gentler than that: Spanish uses it when the sentence is not presenting the action as a plain fact.

With Spanish Imperfect Subjunctive, begin with meaning and time. The ending is there to serve the sentence.