Spanish · WSP02 (Unit 2)

The present subjunctive after wishes and emotions

Spanish uses the present subjunctive when one person wants, feels or doubts something about another.

Forming it

Take the yo form of the present tense, remove -o, then swap the vowel: -ar verbs take -e endings (hable), -er and -ir verbs take -a endings (coma, viva).

tener: tengo -> tenga. Key irregulars: ser (sea), estar (esté), ir (vaya), haber (haya), saber (sepa), dar (dé).

When to use it

With a change of subject after:

querer que, esperar que (wishes)
me alegra que, siento que (emotions)
no creo que, dudo que (doubt)
para que (so that), cuando + future meaning

Same subject

If there is no change of subject, use the infinitive: quiero salir (I want to go out) but quiero que salgas (I want you to go out).

Worked example

Translate: I hope that you have a good day.

esperar que + subjunctive
tener: tengo -> tengas

Answer: Espero que tengas un buen día.

Key idea: yo form minus -o, opposite vowel endings. Use with change of subject after wishes, emotions, doubt, para que.

Check yourself

Quiero que tú ___ (hablar) con ella.
- hablas
- hables
- hablarás
- hablaste
Show answer
hables. -ar verb: hablo -> hables.
Es importante que nosotros ___ (ser) puntuales.
- somos
- seremos
- estemos
- seamos
Show answer
seamos. ser is irregular: sea, seamos.
Which is followed by the subjunctive?
- creo que
- dudo que
- es cierto que
- sé que
Show answer
dudo que. Doubt triggers the subjunctive.
Choose the correct sentence (one subject).
- Quiero que viaje a Chile yo.
- Quiero que viajo a Chile.
- Quiero viajar a Chile.
- Quiero viajo a Chile.
Show answer
Quiero viajar a Chile.. Same subject: use the infinitive.
Espero que ellos ___ (tener) suerte.
- tengan
- tienen
- tendrán
- tuvieron
Show answer
tengan. tengo -> tenga -> tengan.

Practise with instant feedback

Sources

Pearson Information Manual 2026/2027: International A level

Last updated 7 November 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email alevel@lifereadysociety.com.