The Subjunctive with Adverbial Clauses

1. The Subjunctive with Adverbial Clauses Adverbs indicate such things as why, where, when, and how. Typical adverbs in English are words like “soon”, “here” and “quickly”; adverbial phrases are groups of words used in the same way, such as “on Sunday” or “with compassion”. Likewise, an entire clause —remember that a clause has a subject and predicate— may have an adverbial function: John is working so that she will notice him.    [why] John works wherever we want. [where] Joan works after school is out. [when] Joan works as rapidly as she can. [how]

2. Adverbial clauses are introduced by conjunctions, such as para que (so that), antes de que (before), and hasta que (until). The indicative or subjunctive mood may be required in the adverbial clause in Spanish, or an adverbial phrase (preposition plus infinitive) may be used, depending on:

3. Whether there is a change of subject. If no change of subject is involved and a preposition exists which corresponds to the conjunction, that preposition plus an infinitive is normally used, e.g.: He's saving his money so he can buy a car, Ahorra su dinero para poder comprar un coche. [A list of the corresponding prepositions is given below.] • The type situation or time in the adverbial clause. In general, if the situation in the adverbial clause is viewed as something hypothetical or anticipated —rather than completed, habitual, or factual— then the subjunctive is required. In contrast, if the adverbial expression deals with something that is viewed as completed, habitual, or factual, the indicative is used. Some adverbial conjunctions by their very nature deal with something hypothetical or anticipated and thus are always followed by the subjunctive; others may take either the subjunctive or the indicative.

4. Adverbial conjunctions which are ALWAYS followed by the subjunctive (because they always indicate a pending/hypothetical action or state): Para que → (preposition: para) Antes de que → (preposition: antes de) A menos que A fin de que → (preposition: a fin de) Con tal de que → (preposition: con tal de) En caso de que → (preposition: en caso de) Sin que → (preposition: sin)

5. PAAACES Examples: No voy a menos que venga ella. I'm not going unless she comes. Salgo a la una con tal que se termine todo. I leave at 1:00 provided everything is done. Trabaja mucho para que vivan bien. She works hard so they (can) live well. No hago nada sin que lo sepan. I don't do anything without their knowing it.

6. Exception to remember: • Normally a preposition is used when no change of subject is involved; it is followed by an infinitive, not the subjunctive or indicative. Examples: Mi hijo vive paratocar la guitarra. My son lives to play the guitar. Ganaré antes de salir. I'll win before I leave [before leaving.]

7. Conjunctions of time Conjunctions of time are adverbial conjunctions which are sometimes followed by the subjunctive. They are followed by the subjunctive when they introduce an anticipated situation. If they introduce one which is viewed as completed or habitual, they are followed by the indicative. If there is no change of subject involved and a preposition is available, typically the preposition is used with an infinitive.

8. Conjunctions of time Mientras *Aunque Tan pronto como Cuando → (preposition: al = upon) Hasta que →(preposition: hasta) En cuanto Despuésde que → (preposition:después de)

9. MATCHEDExamples: Por lo general lo hago cuando noslevantamos. I usually do it when we get up.    [Indicative] Lo haré cuando nos levantemos. I'll do it when we get up. [Subjunctive] Siempre me lavo los dientesdespués que comemos. I always brush my teeth after we eat. [Indicative] Me lavaré los dientesdespués de quecomamos.I'll brush my teeth after we eat. [Subjunctive]  

10. MATCHEDExamples (Cont.): Los alumnos lo repiten hasta queel profesor está satisfecho. The students repeat it until the professor is satisfied. [Indicative] Los alumnos lo repetirán hasta queél esté satisfecho. The students will repeat it until he is satisfied. [Subjunctive]   Trabajamos mientras ellos descansan. We work while they rest. [Indicative] Trabajaremos mientras ellosdescansen. We will work while they rest. [Subjunctive]

11. *Aunque(although, even though, even if) The indicative is used if a fact is involved or the outcome is known; otherwise the subjunctive is used: Lo haré aunque no le gusta. I'll do it, even though she doesn't like it.    [Indicative It is a fact that she doesn't like it.] Lo haré aunque no le guste. I'll do it, even though she may not like it. [Subjunctive]

12. Other adverbial conjunctions: De modoque, de maneraque(so that; in such a way that) These two expressions are identical. If used similarly to paraque (in order that, indicating the purpose of an action), they require the subjunctive. Escribede modoquetodos laentiendan. She writes so that everyone will [might be able to] understand her. [Subjunctive]

13. De modoque, de maneraque(so that; in such a way that) When used with the indicative they mean “in such a way that” [followed by the actual result or outcome]: Escribe de modo que todos la entienden. She writes in such a way [i.e., so clearly] that everyone understands her.    [Indicative]

14. Other adverbial conjunctions: Como Como is followed by the subjunctive if it used to mean “if”, by the indicative if it means “because” [at the beginning of a sentence], and by either the indicative or the subjunctive (depending on hypothetical/future aspect) if it means “how(ever)”:

15. Como Comovayas conmigo, te pago la entrada. If you go with me, I'll pay for your ticket. [Subjunctive] Como no estás listo, me voysin ti. Since you're not ready, I'll go without you. [Indicative] Lo hago comodijiste. I'll do it like you said. [Indicative] Lo haré comodigas. I'll do it however you (might) say. [Subjunctive]

16. Websites for follow up and practice: http://www.bowdoin.edu/~eyepes/newgr/subj5.htm http://www.trinity.edu/mstroud/grammar/ http://www.colby.edu/~bknelson/SLC/subj_pres.php http://users.ipfw.edu/jehle/courses/pastsubj.htm : Good review of all other subjunctive tenses.