Indicativo y subjuntivo: introducción (videolección)

If you have been studying Spanish for a while, you have surely met the subjunctive. But what is it and what is it for? Pilar gives some keys to understand the difference between the indicative and the subjunctive.

En este vídeo te damos algunas claves para introducirte en la diferencia entre los modos indicativo y subjuntivo.

Key points

The indicative makes statements, in independent sentences (Mary es inglesa) or after expressions that declare something (Sé que Mary es inglesa).
The subjunctive never appears alone: it depends on a main expression that shows our attitude: Es posible que Mary sea inglesa.
Expressions of declaration (creo que, sé que, digo que, estoy seguro de que) take the indicative in the affirmative.
Expressions of wish and feeling (quiero que, me gusta que, me molesta que, ojalá) and of evaluation (es bueno que, es normal que, me parece increíble que) take the subjunctive.

Frequent doubts

Why is the subjunctive used after es posible que?

Because the speaker does not state a fact but presents it as a possibility. Expressions of possibility take the subjunctive: Es posible que llueva.

Does ojalá always take the subjunctive?

Yes, always: Ojalá Mary tenga muchos amigos españoles.

Is there a quick way to choose the mood?

Look at the main expression: if it states information, use the indicative; if it expresses a wish, a feeling or an evaluation, use the subjunctive.

Part of Spanish Sessions, the YouTube channel of the teachers at Tilde Madrid — more than 3 million views.

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Key points

Frequent doubts

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