Spanish Subjunctive: Mastering Influence With WEIRDO

The Spanish subjunctive mood can seem daunting to language learners, especially when it comes to expressing influence. The “WEIRDO” acronym provides a helpful framework for understanding when to use the subjunctive in clauses that express wishes, emotions, impersonal expressions, requests, doubt, and ojalá.

Mastering this concept is crucial for expressing nuanced meaning and achieving fluency in Spanish. This article will break down the WEIRDO triggers, provide numerous examples, and offer practice exercises to solidify your understanding.

This comprehensive guide is designed for intermediate to advanced Spanish learners who want to confidently use the subjunctive mood in everyday conversation and writing. By the end of this article, you’ll be able to identify WEIRDO triggers, construct grammatically correct sentences using the subjunctive, and avoid common mistakes.

Introduction
Definition of the Subjunctive Mood for Influence
Structural Breakdown
WEIRDO Categories
- Wishes
- Emotions
- Impersonal Expressions
- Requests
- Doubt
- Ojalá
Examples
Usage Rules
Common Mistakes
Practice Exercises
Advanced Topics
FAQ
Conclusion

Definition of the Subjunctive Mood for Influence

The subjunctive mood in Spanish is used to express subjectivity, uncertainty, desires, emotions, and other non-factual situations. When we talk about “influence,” we often mean that the main clause of a sentence expresses a wish, command, suggestion, emotion, or doubt that affects the action in the subordinate clause.

The subjunctive is then used in the subordinate clause to reflect that influence.

Specifically, the subjunctive is triggered when the main clause exerts some kind of influence or impact on the subordinate clause. This influence can take many forms, as categorized by the helpful mnemonic device “WEIRDO.” The subjunctive is almost always found in a subordinate clause introduced by the word “que” (that).

The key is to recognize the trigger in the main clause that necessitates the subjunctive in the “que” clause.

Structural Breakdown

The basic structure of a sentence requiring the subjunctive due to influence typically follows this pattern:

Main Clause (WEIRDO trigger) + que + Subordinate Clause (Subjunctive)

Let’s break down each component:

Main Clause: This clause contains the verb that expresses the wish, emotion, impersonal expression, request, or doubt. It directly influences the verb in the subordinate clause.
que: This is a conjunction that connects the main clause and the subordinate clause. It’s essential for signaling that a subjunctive verb might follow.
Subordinate Clause: This clause contains the action that is being influenced. The verb in this clause will be conjugated in the subjunctive mood.

For example:

Quiero que estudies mucho. (I want you to study a lot.)

In this sentence:

Quiero (I want) is the verb in the main clause, expressing a wish.
que is the conjunction.
estudies (you study) is the verb in the subordinate clause, conjugated in the subjunctive mood because of the influence of “quiero.”

WEIRDO Categories

The acronym WEIRDO helps us remember the categories of verbs and expressions that typically trigger the subjunctive:

Wishes
Emotions
Impersonal Expressions
Requests
Doubt
Ojalá

Wishes

Verbs that express desires, hopes, or commands often trigger the subjunctive. These verbs indicate that the speaker wants something to happen.

Common verbs of wishing include:

Querer (to want)
Desear (to desire)
Esperar (to hope)
Preferir (to prefer)
Insistir (to insist)
Mandar (to order)
Exigir (to demand)
Necesitar (to need)
Permitir (to permit/allow)
Prohibir (to prohibit)
Aconsejar (to advise)
Sugerir (to suggest)

Emotions

Verbs and expressions that express feelings, such as joy, sadness, anger, fear, surprise, etc., also trigger the subjunctive.

Common expressions of emotion include:

Alegrarse de (to be happy about)
Sentir (to regret/feel sorry)
Temer (to fear)
Tener miedo de (to be afraid of)
Estar contento/a de (to be happy about)
Estar triste de (to be sad about)
Sorprenderse de (to be surprised by)
Enfadarse de (to be angry about)
Gustar (to like – when used to express an emotional reaction to something)
Molestar (to bother)
Enorgullecerse de (to be proud of)

Impersonal Expressions

Impersonal expressions are phrases that don’t refer to a specific person and often express opinions or judgments. When these expressions are followed by “que,” they typically trigger the subjunctive.

Common impersonal expressions include:

Es importante (It’s important)
Es necesario (It’s necessary)
Es urgente (It’s urgent)
Es bueno (It’s good)
Es malo (It’s bad)
Es mejor (It’s better)
Es posible (It’s possible)
Es probable (It’s probable)
Es imposible (It’s impossible)
Es dudoso (It’s doubtful)
Es increíble (It’s incredible)
Es sorprendente (It’s surprising)
Es ridículo (It’s ridiculous)

Requests

Verbs that express a request, command, or suggestion often trigger the subjunctive.

Some verbs that fall into this category overlap with “Wishes,” but it’s helpful to consider them specifically as requests:

Pedir (to ask for)
Rogar (to beg)
Sugerir (to suggest)
Recomendar (to recommend)
Aconsejar (to advise)
Decir (to say/tell – when used as a command)

Doubt

Verbs and expressions that express doubt, disbelief, or denial trigger the subjunctive. However, it’s crucial to note that expressions of certainty or belief typically trigger the indicative mood (the normal mood for stating facts).

Common expressions of doubt include:

Dudar (to doubt)
No creer (to not believe)
No pensar (to not think)
No estar seguro/a de (to not be sure of)
Es dudoso (It’s doubtful)
Es posible que (It’s possible that) – can also express possibility, which is considered a form of doubt in this context.
Negar (to deny)

Important Note: If you *believe* something, you use the indicative. If you *don’t* believe something, you use the subjunctive. For example:

Creo que es verdad. (I believe it’s true.) – Indicative
No creo que sea verdad. (I don’t believe it’s true.) – Subjunctive

Ojalá

Ojalá (hopefully, I wish) always triggers the subjunctive. It comes from Arabic and literally means “May God grant.”

Example:

Ojalá que llueva mañana. (Hopefully, it will rain tomorrow.)

Examples

Here are some examples of the subjunctive used in sentences that express influence, categorized by WEIRDO trigger.

Table 1: Wishes

The following table illustrates the use of the subjunctive when expressing wishes. Notice the structure: a verb of wishing in the main clause, followed by “que,” and then the subjunctive verb in the subordinate clause.

Spanish Sentence	English Translation
Quiero que vengas a mi fiesta.	I want you to come to my party.
Deseo que tengas un buen día.	I wish you have a good day.
Espero que apruebes el examen.	I hope you pass the exam.
Prefiero que hables más despacio.	I prefer that you speak more slowly.
Insisto en que me digas la verdad.	I insist that you tell me the truth.
Mando que limpies tu habitación.	I order you to clean your room.
Exijo que me devuelvas el dinero.	I demand that you return the money to me.
Necesito que me ayudes con esto.	I need you to help me with this.
Permito que uses mi coche.	I allow you to use my car.
Prohíbo que fumes aquí.	I forbid you from smoking here.
Te aconsejo que vayas al médico.	I advise you to go to the doctor.
Sugiero que consideres esta opción.	I suggest you consider this option.
Quiero que seas feliz.	I want you to be happy.
Espero que todo salga bien.	I hope everything goes well.
Deseo que encuentres el amor.	I wish you find love.
Necesito que me escuches.	I need you to listen to me.
Prefiero que te quedes aquí.	I prefer that you stay here.
Insisto en que lo hagas ahora.	I insist that you do it now.
Mando que te calles.	I order you to be quiet.
Exijo que me respetes.	I demand that you respect me.
Necesito que me comprendas.	I need you to understand me.
Permito que entres.	I allow you to enter.
Prohíbo que salgas.	I forbid you from going out.
Te aconsejo que descanses.	I advise you to rest.
Sugiero que leas este libro.	I suggest you read this book.
Quiero que me perdones.	I want you to forgive me.

Table 2: Emotions

This table showcases the use of the subjunctive when expressing emotions. The main clause expresses an emotion, influencing the verb in the “que” clause.

Spanish Sentence	English Translation
Me alegro de que estés aquí.	I’m happy that you are here.
Siento que estés enfermo.	I regret that you are sick.
Temo que no llegues a tiempo.	I fear that you won’t arrive on time.
Tengo miedo de que llueva.	I’m afraid that it will rain.
Estoy contento de que te guste.	I’m happy that you like it.
Estoy triste de que te vayas.	I’m sad that you’re leaving.
Me sorprende que sepas eso.	I’m surprised that you know that.
Me enfado de que llegues tarde.	I get angry that you arrive late.
Me gusta que cantes.	I like that you sing.
Me molesta que hables tan alto.	It bothers me that you speak so loudly.
Me enorgullezco de que seas tan inteligente.	I’m proud that you are so intelligent.
Me alegro de que hayas venido.	I’m happy that you came.
Siento que te sientas así.	I regret that you feel that way.
Temo que sea demasiado tarde.	I fear that it’s too late.
Tengo miedo de que no funcione.	I’m afraid that it won’t work.
Estoy contento de que estés mejor.	I’m happy that you are better.
Estoy triste de que no puedas venir.	I’m sad that you can’t come.
Me sorprende que no lo sepas.	I’m surprised that you don’t know it.
Me enfado de que no me escuches.	I get angry that you don’t listen to me.
Me gusta que seas honesto.	I like that you are honest.
Me molesta que me interrumpas.	It bothers me that you interrupt me.
Me enorgullezco de que hayas logrado tanto.	I’m proud that you have achieved so much.
Me alegro de que te diviertas.	I’m happy that you’re having fun.
Siento que tengas problemas.	I regret that you have problems.
Temo que no lo entiendas.	I fear that you don’t understand it.

Table 3: Impersonal Expressions

This table demonstrates the subjunctive with impersonal expressions. The impersonal expression introduces the subordinate clause using “que,” and the verb in that clause takes the subjunctive form.

Spanish Sentence	English Translation
Es importante que estudies.	It’s important that you study.
Es necesario que llegues temprano.	It’s necessary that you arrive early.
Es urgente que me llames.	It’s urgent that you call me.
Es bueno que hagas ejercicio.	It’s good that you exercise.
Es malo que fumes.	It’s bad that you smoke.
Es mejor que descanses.	It’s better that you rest.
Es posible que nieve mañana.	It’s possible that it will snow tomorrow.
Es probable que gane el partido.	It’s probable that he will win the game.
Es imposible que lo haga solo.	It’s impossible that he will do it alone.
Es dudoso que venga.	It’s doubtful that he will come.
Es increíble que sepas tanto.	It’s incredible that you know so much.
Es sorprendente que no lo sepas.	It’s surprising that you don’t know it.
Es ridículo que pienses eso.	It’s ridiculous that you think that.
Es importante que sepas esto.	It’s important that you know this.
Es necesario que te prepares.	It’s necessary that you prepare yourself.
Es urgente que lo hagas ahora.	It’s urgent that you do it now.
Es bueno que seas amable.	It’s good that you are kind.
Es malo que mientas.	It’s bad that you lie.
Es mejor que te calles.	It’s better that you be quiet.
Es posible que me equivoque.	It’s possible that I’m wrong.
Es probable que llueva hoy.	It’s probable that it will rain today.
Es imposible que lo termine a tiempo.	It’s impossible that I finish it on time.
Es dudoso que lo recuerde.	It’s doubtful that he remembers it.
Es increíble que hayas logrado tanto.	It’s incredible that you have achieved so much.
Es sorprendente que no estés cansado.	It’s surprising that you aren’t tired.
Es ridículo que te enojes por eso.	It’s ridiculous that you get angry about that.

Table 4: Requests

The following examples show how the subjunctive is used when making requests. The request verb dictates the use of the subjunctive in the subsequent clause.

Spanish Sentence	English Translation
Te pido que me ayudes.	I ask you to help me.
Te ruego que me perdones.	I beg you to forgive me.
Te sugiero que vayas al médico.	I suggest that you go to the doctor.
Te recomiendo que veas esta película.	I recommend that you see this movie.
Te aconsejo que descanses.	I advise you to rest.
Te digo que te calles.	I tell you to be quiet.
Le pido que me explique.	I ask him to explain to me.
Le ruego que me escuche.	I beg him to listen to me.
Le sugiero que lo intente de nuevo.	I suggest that he try again.
Le recomiendo que lea este libro.	I recommend that he read this book.
Le aconsejo que sea paciente.	I advise him to be patient.
Le digo que se vaya.	I tell him to leave.
Les pido que me esperen.	I ask them to wait for me.
Les ruego que me comprendan.	I beg them to understand me.
Les sugiero que consideren esta opción.	I suggest that they consider this option.
Les recomiendo que visiten este lugar.	I recommend that they visit this place.
Les aconsejo que sean prudentes.	I advise them to be cautious.
Les digo que se porten bien.	I tell them to behave well.
Te pido que seas honesto.	I ask you to be honest.
Te ruego que me digas la verdad.	I beg you to tell me the truth.
Te sugiero que lo pienses bien.	I suggest that you think it over well.
Te recomiendo que pruebes este plato.	I recommend that you try this dish.
Te aconsejo que seas valiente.	I advise you to be brave.
Te digo que lo hagas ahora.	I tell you to do it now.

Table 5: Doubt

This table provides examples of the subjunctive used with expressions of doubt. Remember, affirmative expressions of belief use the indicative.

Spanish Sentence	English Translation
Dudo que sea verdad.	I doubt that it’s true.
No creo que venga.	I don’t believe that he/she is coming.
No pienso que sea una buena idea.	I don’t think it’s a good idea.
No estoy seguro de que lo sepa.	I’m not sure that he/she knows it.
Es dudoso que funcione.	It’s doubtful that it will work.
Es posible que llueva.	It’s possible that it will rain.
Niego que haya hecho eso.	I deny that he/she has done that.
Dudo que tenga razón.	I doubt that he/she is right.
No creo que sea justo.	I don’t believe that it’s fair.
No pienso que sea necesario.	I don’t think that it’s necessary.
No estoy seguro de que pueda hacerlo.	I’m not sure that he/she can do it.
Es dudoso que lo recuerde.	It’s doubtful that he/she remembers it.
Es posible que me equivoque.	It’s possible that I am wrong.
Niego que haya dicho eso.	I deny that he/she has said that.
Dudo que lo entienda.	I doubt that he/she understands it.
No creo que sea fácil.	I don’t believe that it’s easy.
No pienso que sea importante.	I don’t think that it’s important.
No estoy seguro de que sea verdad.	I’m not sure that it’s true.
Es dudoso que lo termine a tiempo.	It’s doubtful that he/she will finish it on time.
Es posible que no venga.	It’s possible that he/she won’t come.
Niego que lo haya visto.	I deny that he/she has seen it.

Table 6: Ojalá

This table shows the consistent use of the subjunctive after “Ojalá.”

Spanish Sentence	English Translation
Ojalá que llueva mañana.	Hopefully, it will rain tomorrow.
Ojalá que tengas suerte.	Hopefully, you have luck. / I hope you have luck.
Ojalá que vengas a mi fiesta.	Hopefully, you will come to my party. / I hope you come to my party.
Ojalá que todo salga bien.	Hopefully, everything goes well. / I hope everything goes well.
Ojalá que me perdones.	Hopefully, you will forgive me. / I hope you forgive me.
Ojalá que estés bien.	Hopefully, you are well. / I hope you are well.
Ojalá que lo entiendas.	Hopefully, you understand it. / I hope you understand it.
Ojalá que sea verdad.	Hopefully, it’s true. / I hope it’s true.
Ojalá que no haya problemas.	Hopefully, there aren’t any problems. / I hope there aren’t any problems.
Ojalá que me recuerdes.	Hopefully, you remember me. / I hope you remember me.

Usage Rules

Here are some crucial rules to remember when using the subjunctive for influence:

Two Different Subjects: The subjunctive is generally used when the subject of the main clause is different from the subject of the subordinate clause. For example: Yo quiero que tú estudies. (I want you to study.) “Yo” is the subject of “quiero,” and “tú” is the subject of “estudies.”
Same Subject: If the subject is the same in both clauses, you typically use the infinitive instead of the subjunctive. For example: Yo quiero estudiar. (I want to study.)
Negation: Pay close attention to negation. As mentioned earlier, negating verbs of belief or certainty triggers the subjunctive.
Tense Consistency: Ensure tense consistency between the main clause and the subordinate clause. If the main clause is in the present tense, the subjunctive in the subordinate clause will usually be in the present subjunctive. If the main clause is in the past tense, the subjunctive in the subordinate clause will usually be in the imperfect subjunctive.

Common Mistakes

Here are some common mistakes to avoid when using the subjunctive for influence:

Mistake 1: Using the indicative after WEIRDO triggers.

Incorrect: Quiero que vas a la fiesta.
Correct: Quiero que vayas a la fiesta. (I want you to go to the party.)

Mistake 2: Using the subjunctive when the subject is the same.

Incorrect: Quiero que yo estudie.
Correct: Quiero estudiar. (I want to study.)

Mistake 3: Not using the subjunctive after negated expressions of belief.

Incorrect: No creo que es verdad.
Correct: No creo que sea verdad. (I don’t believe it’s true.)

Mistake 4: Incorrect Tense Usage.

Incorrect: Quería que vayas a la fiesta.
Correct: Quería que fueras a la fiesta. (I wanted you to go to the party)

Practice Exercises

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks with the correct subjunctive form of the verb in parentheses.

Sentence	Answer
1. Quiero que tú ________ (venir) a mi casa.	vengas
2. Es importante que nosotros ________ (estudiar) para el examen.	estudiemos
3. No creo que ella ________ (saber) la respuesta.	sepa
4. Ojalá que ________ (llover) mañana.	llueva
5. Siento que tú ________ (estar) enfermo.	estés
6. Insisto en que me ________ (decir) la verdad.	digas
7. Es necesario que ________ (llegar) a tiempo.	lleguemos
8. No estoy seguro de que ________ (ser) posible.	sea
9. Temo que ________ (perder) el tren.	pierda
10. Prefiero que me ________ (llamar) por teléfono.	llames

Exercise 2: Rewrite the following sentences using the subjunctive.

Sentence	Answer
1. Espero visitar España. (I hope to visit Spain.) -> Quiero que…	Quiero que visite España.
2. Es necesario aprender español. (It’s necessary to learn Spanish.) -> Es necesario que…	Es necesario que aprendas español.
3. Dudo que él dice la verdad. (I doubt that he tells the truth.) -> Correct the sentence	Dudo que él diga la verdad.
4. No creo que ella tiene razón. (I don’t believe she is right.) -> Correct the sentence	No creo que ella tenga razón.
5. Ojalá puedo ir a la playa. (I hope I can go to the beach.) -> Correct the sentence	Ojalá pueda ir a la playa.

Advanced Topics

Once you have a solid grasp of the basics, you can explore more advanced topics related to the subjunctive, such as:

The Imperfect Subjunctive: Used in past contexts, often with verbs in the preterite or imperfect tense.
The Pluperfect Subjunctive: Used to express actions that occurred before another past action in the subjunctive mood.
Subjunctive in Adjective Clauses: Used when the existence of the noun being modified is uncertain.
The Subjunctive with Conjunctions: Certain conjunctions (e.g., antes de que, para que, a menos que) always trigger the subjunctive.

FAQ

Why is the subjunctive so difficult for English speakers?

The subjunctive mood is less common in English than in Spanish. While English does have a subjunctive, it’s often replaced by other constructions, making it less intuitive for learners.

Are there any exceptions to the WEIRDO rules?

Yes, there are always exceptions! Some verbs can trigger either the subjunctive or the indicative depending on the context and the speaker’s intention.

Also, remember that the “que” is essential; without it, the subjunctive isn’t usually triggered in the same way.

How can I improve my subjunctive usage?

Practice, practice, practice! The more you expose yourself to the subjunctive in context and actively use it in your own speaking and writing, the more natural it will become.

Consider targeted exercises, reading authentic Spanish materials, and seeking feedback from native speakers.

Is it always necessary to use the subjunctive after “WEIRDO” triggers?

Generally, yes, if the conditions for the subjunctive are met (different subjects, the presence of “que,” and the expression of influence/uncertainty). However, context always matters, and there can be nuances and exceptions depending on the specific verb and the intended meaning.

For example, with verbs of communication like “decir,” the subjunctive is often used when giving commands or making suggestions, but the indicative is used when reporting facts.

What is the difference between “Es posible que” and “Es seguro que”?

“Es posible que” (It’s possible that) expresses possibility or doubt, and therefore triggers the subjunctive. “Es seguro que” (It’s certain that) expresses certainty and therefore triggers the indicative.

Conclusion

Mastering the Spanish subjunctive for influence is a significant step towards fluency and accuracy. By understanding the WEIRDO categories and practicing regularly, you can confidently express your wishes, emotions, requests, doubts, and use of ojalá with correct grammar. Don’t be discouraged by the challenges; with consistent effort and attention to detail, you’ll be well on your way to mastering this essential aspect of Spanish grammar.

Spanish Subjunctive: Mastering Influence with WEIRDO

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