The subjunctive... a tricky one for anyone trying to learn the grammar of a new language. It could take a lifetime to learn every single one of its uses, but in this post I have tried to boil it down to the four main ones which you may see being used regularly in Spanish.
1. Doubt
You will need to use the subjunctive to when expressing something you are not quite sure of. For example:
Dudo que sea la mejor solución en este caso. I doubt in this case that it's the best solution.
The trigger in this sentence is 'dudo que', which comes from the verb 'dudar'.
No creo que necesite nuestro ayuda. I don't think he needs our help.
The trigger here would be 'no creo que'. Note that in the positive form of this sentence, i.e. 'creo que necesita nuestro ayuda', you would simply just use the indicative form, because there is no doubt expressed.
2. Influencing others
The most common verbs used with the subjunctive in this way are:
Decir, mandar, sugerir, querer, consentir en, permitir, exigir, pedir, implorar, aconsejar, recomendar, preferir, prohibir, impedir, hacer, conseguir, lograr, desear.
For example:
Dile a Miguel que venga aquí. Tell Michael to come here.
Quiero que nos ayudes. I want you to help us.
3. Emotional reactions
When you are expressing your emotions towards someone or towards a situation, you will also need to use the subjunctive.
For example:
Estoy contenta que nos ayudes. I'm happy that you're helping us.
Mi padre está bastante enfadado que vaya a suspender. My dad is quite annoyed that I'm going to fail.*
Nos alegra mucho que puedas estar aquí. We're very pleased that you can be here.
*Note that the present subjunctive can also be used in the near future tense. The conjugation of 'ir' will just need to be in the present subjunctive, rather than the present indicative like normal.
4. Value judgements
Much like when you are expressing emotional reactions, you will also need to use the subjunctive when expressing judgements on a situation. Some important triggers include:
Es importante que, es necesario que, es imprescindible que, es una pena que, es una lástima que.
For example:
Es terrible que no nos ayudes. It's terrible that you aren't helping us.
Es una vergüenza que no podamos salir sin el miedo de atracos. It's a disgrace that we can't go out without fear of muggings.
¿Cómo justificaremos que se gaste tanto dinero? How can we justify so much money being spent?
Hopefully this will make the uses of the subjunctive a bit more clear for you!
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