The indicative is taught in the first levels of Spanish and the subjunctive begins to be taught in the intermediate level of Spanish (B1). It is important that before learning the subjunctive, you have a good understanding of the indicative tenses so as not to generate confusion.
In this post you will learn:
- What is the indicative?
- What is the subjunctive?
- How to present the difference between these two modes?
- Presentations ready to use in your classes
Use of the indicative mood
The indicative mood or “modo indicativo” is used to express real, objective and concrete actions or situations. It is a verb mood used to describe events and actions that have happened, are happening, or will happen in the future.
Verbs expressing certainty or affirmation
The indicative mood is used with verbs that express certainty or affirmation, such as creer, pensar, afirmar, declarar, confirmar, among others.
| Verbs | Examples |
| Creer | Creo que ella llegará a tiempo. |
| Afirmar | El presidente afirmó que la economía mejorará. |
| Declarar | Declaró que no tenía nada que ver con el asunto. |
Temporary expressions
The indicative mood is used with temporal expressions that indicate actions at a specific time, such as ayer, hoy, mañana, este fin de semana, among others.
| Spanish | English |
| Ayer fui al cine con mis amigos. | Yesterday I went to the movies with my friends. |
| Hoy tengo una reunión importante en la oficina. | Today I have an important meeting at the office. |
| Mañana iremos de viaje a la playa. | Tomorrow we will go on a trip to the beach. |
| Este fin de semana visitaré a mis padres en el campo. | This weekend I will visit my parents in the countryside. |
Conjunctions that introduce a subordinate clause
The indicative mood is used with conjunctions that introduce a subordinate clause and indicate a specific action, such as porque, ya que, como, among others.
| Spanish | English |
| No pude ir a la fiesta porque estaba enfermo. | I couldn’t go to the party because I was sick. |
| Ya que tienes tiempo libre, podrías ayudarme con este proyecto. | Since you have some free time, you could help me with this project. |
| Como no tengo dinero, no puedo comprarme un coche nuevo. | Since I don’t have any money, I can’t buy a new car. |
Use of the subjunctive mood
The subjunctive mood or “modo subjuntivo” is used in Spanish to express hypothetical actions, doubts, desires, uncertainties, among others. Here are some cases in which the subjunctive mood is used.
Verbs expressing doubt, desire or uncertainty
Verbs that express doubt, desire or uncertainty are usually accompanied by the subjunctive mood. Some examples of these verbs are:
- Desear
- Esperar
- Dudar
- Temer
- Creer
- Pensar
For example:
| Spanish | English |
| Espero que esté bien. | I hope it’s okay. |
| No creo que sea buena idea. | I don’t think it’s a good idea. |
| Dudo que pueda ir al concierto. | I doubt that I will be able to go to the concert. |
Impersonal expressions
Impersonal expressions are also usually accompanied by the subjunctive mood. Some examples of these expressions are:
- Es necesario que
- Es importante que
- Es posible que
- Es probable que
- Es mejor que
Examples:
| Spanish | English |
| Es necesario que hables con el profesor. | It is necessary for you to talk to the teacher. |
| Es importante que estudies para el examen. | It is important that you study for the exam. |
| Es posible que venga mañana. | It is possible that he will come tomorrow. |
Conjunctions introducing a subordinate clause
Conjunctions that introduce a subordinate clause can also be accompanied by the subjunctive mood. Some of these conjunctions are:
- Para que
- A menos que
- En caso de que
- Antes de que
- Con tal de que
Examples:
| Spanish | English |
| Te ayudaré a estudiar para que apruebes el examen. | I will help you study so that you will pass the exam. |
| No saldré a menos que me des permiso. | I will not go out unless you give me permission. |
| Compraré comida en caso de que lleguen visitas. | I will buy food in case visitors arrive. |
Difference between the subjunctive and indicative moods
The subjunctive mood and the indicative mood are two Spanish verb forms used to express different situations.
The indicative mood is used to talk about real, concrete and objective actions that have happened, are happening or will happen in the future. For example: “Juan va al cine” or “María estudiará para el examen“.
On the other hand, the subjunctive mood is used to express hypothetical, doubtful or unreal actions that have not happened or may not happen. For example: “Espero que Juan vaya al cine” or “Ojalá María estudie para el examen“.
Another important difference between the indicative mood and the subjunctive mood is that the former is used in affirmative sentences, while the latter is used in negative or interrogative sentences. For example: “Creo que ella está en casa” (indicative mood) and “No creo que ella esté en casa” (subjunctive mood).
In addition, the subjunctive mood is used in subordinate clauses expressing desire, possibility, necessity, doubt, etc. For example: “Quiero que estudies para el examen” (subjunctive mood) or “Es probable que llueva mañana” (indicative mood).
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