SUBJUNCTIVE IN DEPENDENT ADVERB CLAUSES

SUBJUNCTIVE IN DEPENDENT ADVERB CLAUSES

A DEPENDENT ADVERB CLAUSE • A dependent clause is a phrase that functions like an adverb: • I’ll finish the job soon. (“soon” is an adverb that modifies the verb “finish” … when will I finish?) • Terminaré el trabajopronto. • I’ll finish the work when they return. (“when they return” is a phrase that functions as the adverb) • Terminaré el trabajocuandoregresen.

Subjunctive in Dependent clauses… • The subjunctive is usually used in sentences set in the future, when the dependent (adverbial) phrase expresses anticipation: • …. When they come (cuandovengan) • … before they come (antes de quevengan)

… or uncertainty • Unless they come (a menosquevengan)

…. Also in the present or future when expressing doubt or proviso: • … in case they come (en caso de quevengan) […there is some doubt that they’ll come] • …provided they come (con tal de quevengan)

…present, past or future when expressing purpose: • …So that they can come (paraquepuedanvenir) • …so that they could come (paraquepudieranvenir)

And occasionally in the past when expressing lack of knowledge of an event: • They left without my knowing (Salieron sin queyosupiera).

Model Sentences • I will go to the party as long as you go too. • Iré a la fiesta con tal de quetevayastambién. • I won’t eat unless (until) she sits down. • No comeré a menosqueella se siente. • He left without my seeing him. • Salió sin queyo lo viera. • I’ll call you before they leave. • Te llamaré antes de queellossalgan.

What will we do in case it snows? • ¿Quéharemos en caso de quenieve? • We’ll rent a bicycle so you can go with us. • Alquilaremosunabicicletaparaquepuedassalir con nosotros. • He bought an airplane so his wife could travel more easily. • Compró un aviónparaquesumujerpudieraviajarmásfacilmente.

Identify the following connecting phrases: • Para que • So that • A menosque • Unless • Antes de que • before

Con talque • Provided that • En caso de que • In case • Sin que • without

Now, write an original sentence using each of these connecting phrases. You should have at least six sentences.

Con tal de que • Para que • A menosque • Antes de que • En casoque • (Cuando) • Sin que

SUBJUNCTIVE IN DEPENDENT ADVERB CLAUSES