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]
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:
1. 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.]
2. 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.
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)
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.
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 para tocar la guitarra.
My son lives to play the guitar.
Ganaré antes de salir.
I'll win before I leave [before leaving.]
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.
Conjunctions of time
Mientras
*Aunque
Tan pronto como
Cuando → (preposition: al = upon)
Hasta que →(preposition: hasta)
En cuanto
Después de que → (preposition:después de)
MATCHED Examples:
Por lo general lo hago cuando nos levantamos.
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 dientes después que
comemos.
I always brush my teeth after we eat. [Indicative]
Me lavaré los dientes después de que comamos.
I'll brush my teeth after we eat. [Subjunctive]
MATCHED Examples (Cont.):
Los alumnos lo repiten hasta que el profesor está
satisfecho.
The students repeat it until the professor is satisfied.
[Indicative]
Los alumnos lo repetirán hasta que él esté satisfecho.
The students will repeat it until he is satisfied.
[Subjunctive]
Trabajamos mientras ellos descansan.
We work while they rest. [Indicative]
Trabajaremos mientras ellos descansen.
We will work while they rest. [Subjunctive]
*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]
Other adverbial conjunctions:
De modo que, de manera que
(so that; in such a way that)
These two expressions are identical. If used
similarly to para que (in order that, indicating
the purpose of an action), they require the
subjunctive.
Escribe de modo que todos la entiendan.
She writes so that everyone will [might be able
to] understand her. [Subjunctive]
De modo que, de manera que
(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]
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)”:
Como
Como vayas conmigo, te pago la entrada.
If you go with me, I'll pay for your ticket.
[Subjunctive]
Como no estás listo, me voy sin ti.
Since you're not ready, I'll go without you.
[Indicative]
Lo hago como dijiste.
I'll do it like you said. [Indicative]
Lo haré como digas.
I'll do it however you (might) say. [Subjunctive]
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.