Mastering the Subjunctive: Adverbial Clauses in Spanish

The Spanish subjunctive mood can be tricky for English speakers, especially when it appears in adverbial clauses. Understanding how and when to use the subjunctive in these clauses is crucial for expressing nuanced meanings related to time, condition, purpose, and more.

This article will break down the complexities of the Spanish subjunctive in adverbial clauses, providing clear explanations, examples, and practice exercises to help you master this essential grammar point. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced learner, this guide will equip you with the knowledge and skills to confidently use the subjunctive in your Spanish conversations and writing.

This article is designed for Spanish language learners of all levels who wish to improve their understanding and use of the subjunctive mood. It is particularly beneficial for those preparing for Spanish proficiency exams or aiming to communicate more effectively in Spanish.

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Definition of Subjunctive in Adverbial Clauses
• Structural Breakdown
• Types of Adverbial Clauses Triggering the Subjunctive
  • Time Clauses
  • Purpose Clauses
  • Condition Clauses
  • Concession Clauses
  • Manner Clauses
• Examples of Subjunctive in Adverbial Clauses
• Usage Rules: When to Use the Subjunctive
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Practice Exercises
• Advanced Topics
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Conclusion

Definition of Subjunctive in Adverbial Clauses

The subjunctive mood in Spanish is used to express subjectivity, uncertainty, doubt, desire, emotion, or hypothetical situations. It is not used to describe facts or certainties.

In adverbial clauses, the subjunctive is triggered by specific conjunctions that introduce these clauses. Adverbial clauses modify the main verb of a sentence, providing information about when, why, how, or under what conditions the action of the main verb occurs.

Essentially, when an adverbial clause expresses something uncertain, desired, or hypothetical concerning the action in the main clause, the verb in the adverbial clause takes the subjunctive form. If the adverbial clause expresses a fact or a habitual action, the indicative mood is used.

Adverbial clauses can be classified based on their function. These include:

• Time Clauses: Indicate when an action happens.
• Purpose Clauses: Explain the reason or purpose behind an action.
• Condition Clauses: State a condition that must be met for an action to occur.
• Concession Clauses: Acknowledge an opposing point but do not prevent the main action.
• Manner Clauses: Describe how an action is performed.

Structural Breakdown

The basic structure involving the subjunctive in adverbial clauses follows this pattern:

Main Clause + Conjunction + Subjunctive Clause

The main clause contains the main verb of the sentence. The conjunction is the word that links the main clause to the adverbial clause. The subjunctive clause contains the verb in the subjunctive mood.

For example:

Te llamaré tan pronto como llegue. (I will call you as soon as I arrive.)

In this sentence:

• Main Clause: Te llamaré (I will call you)
• Conjunction: tan pronto como (as soon as)
• Subjunctive Clause: llegue (I arrive – subjunctive form)

The choice of conjunction is critical, as certain conjunctions always trigger the subjunctive, while others may require the indicative depending on the context.

Types of Adverbial Clauses Triggering the Subjunctive

Certain conjunctions consistently trigger the subjunctive mood in adverbial clauses. These clauses typically express uncertainty, intention, or hypothetical situations.

Time Clauses

Time clauses indicate when an action takes place. The subjunctive is used when the action in the time clause is in the future relative to the action in the main clause. Common conjunctions include: antes de que (before), hasta que (until), en cuanto (as soon as), cuando (when), después de que (after), tan pronto como (as soon as). Note that después de que takes the indicative if the action has already happened.

Purpose Clauses

Purpose clauses explain the reason or intention behind an action. The subjunctive is used to express the purpose. Common conjunctions include: para que (so that), a fin de que (in order that), con el objeto de que (with the object of), con el propósito de que (with the purpose of).

Condition Clauses

Condition clauses express a condition that must be met for the action in the main clause to occur. While *si* (if) clauses usually use the conditional tense, certain other conditional expressions use the subjunctive. These include: a menos que (unless), con tal de que (provided that), en caso de que (in case). The *si* clause can also take the subjunctive if it refers to an unlikely or hypothetical situation in the present.

Concession Clauses

Concession clauses acknowledge a potential obstacle or opposing point but do not prevent the action in the main clause. Common conjunctions include: aunque (although, even if), a pesar de que (despite the fact that), si bien (even though), por más que (no matter how much), así (even if). The subjunctive is used when the concession is hypothetical or uncertain. The indicative is used when the concession is a known fact.

Manner Clauses

Manner clauses describe how an action is performed. The conjunction como si (as if) always triggers the subjunctive.

Examples of Subjunctive in Adverbial Clauses

The following tables provide extensive examples of the subjunctive used in different types of adverbial clauses. Each table focuses on a specific type of adverbial clause and includes numerous sentences to illustrate the usage in context.

Time Clauses Examples

This table illustrates the use of the subjunctive in time clauses, showing how different conjunctions trigger the subjunctive when referring to future or uncertain events.

Conjunction	Example Sentence	Translation
Antes de que (Before)	Llámame antes de que te vayas.	Call me before you leave.
Hasta que (Until)	No saldré hasta que termine mi trabajo.	I won’t leave until I finish my work.
En cuanto (As soon as)	Te avisaré en cuanto lo sepa.	I will let you know as soon as I know it.
Cuando (When)	Cuando vengas, traeré el pastel.	When you come, I will bring the cake.
Tan pronto como (As soon as)	Tan pronto como pueda, te ayudaré.	As soon as I can, I will help you.
Mientras que (While)	Mientras que ellos jueguen, nosotros descansaremos.	While they play, we will rest.
Siempre que (As long as)	Siempre que me necesites, estaré aquí.	As long as you need me, I will be here.
Apenas (As soon as)	Apenas llegue, lo llamaré.	As soon as I arrive, I will call him.
En el momento en que (The moment that)	En el momento en que me necesites, avísame.	The moment you need me, let me know.
Una vez que (Once)	Una vez que lo hagas, estarás libre.	Once you do it, you will be free.
Antes de que (Before)	Preparo la cena antes de que lleguen mis hijos.	I prepare dinner before my children arrive.
Hasta que (Until)	Espera aquí hasta que yo vuelva.	Wait here until I return.
En cuanto (As soon as)	Empezaré a trabajar en cuanto me paguen.	I will start working as soon as they pay me.
Cuando (When)	Cuando tengas tiempo, visítame.	When you have time, visit me.
Tan pronto como (As soon as)	Te enviaré el documento tan pronto como lo revise.	I will send you the document as soon as I review it.
Mientras que (While)	Mientras que tú estudies, yo limpiaré la casa.	While you study, I will clean the house.
Siempre que (As long as)	Siempre que tengas paciencia, lo lograrás.	As long as you have patience, you will achieve it.
Apenas (As soon as)	Apenas salga el sol, iremos a la playa.	As soon as the sun comes out, we will go to the beach.
En el momento en que (The moment that)	En el momento en que suene la alarma, salgan del edificio.	The moment the alarm sounds, leave the building.
Una vez que (Once)	Una vez que hayas terminado, puedes descansar.	Once you have finished, you can rest.
Antes de que (Before)	Lee el libro antes de que veas la película.	Read the book before you watch the movie.
Hasta que (Until)	No te rindas hasta que alcances tus metas.	Don’t give up until you reach your goals.

Purpose Clauses Examples

This table demonstrates the use of the subjunctive in purpose clauses, illustrating how conjunctions like *para que* and *a fin de que* introduce the reason behind an action.

Conjunction	Example Sentence	Translation
Para que (So that)	Estudio mucho para que pueda aprobar el examen.	I study a lot so that I can pass the exam.
A fin de que (In order that)	Lo hago a fin de que estés contento.	I do it in order that you are happy.
Con el objeto de que (With the object of)	Hablamos con el objeto de que se resuelva el problema.	We talk with the object of resolving the problem.
Con el propósito de que (With the purpose of)	Trabajo duro con el propósito de que mi familia tenga un buen futuro.	I work hard with the purpose of my family having a good future.
A que (In order that)	Vine a que me dieras tu opinión.	I came in order that you give me your opinion.
Para que (So that)	Escribe claro para que todos entiendan.	Write clearly so that everyone understands.
A fin de que (In order that)	Ahorra dinero a fin de que puedas comprar una casa.	Save money in order that you can buy a house.
Con el objeto de que (With the object of)	Implementamos nuevas estrategias con el objeto de que aumenten las ventas.	We implement new strategies with the object of increasing sales.
Con el propósito de que (With the purpose of)	Creamos este programa con el propósito de que los estudiantes aprendan más.	We created this program with the purpose of students learning more.
A que (In order that)	Te llamo a que me ayudes con este problema.	I call you in order that you help me with this problem.
Para que (So that)	Cocino con amor para que disfrutes la comida.	I cook with love so that you enjoy the food.
A fin de que (In order that)	Me esfuerzo a fin de que logres tus sueños.	I strive in order that you achieve your dreams.
Con el objeto de que (With the object of)	Organizamos eventos con el objeto de que la comunidad se una.	We organize events with the object of the community coming together.
Con el propósito de que (With the purpose of)	Construimos escuelas con el propósito de que los niños tengan educación.	We build schools with the purpose of children having education.
A que (In order that)	Te invito a que celebres con nosotros.	I invite you in order that you celebrate with us.
Para que (So that)	Plantamos árboles para que tengamos aire puro.	We plant trees so that we have clean air.
A fin de que (In order that)	Estudiamos las leyes a fin de que las entendamos mejor.	We study the laws in order that we understand them better.
Con el objeto de que (With the object of)	Diseñamos el producto con el objeto de que sea fácil de usar.	We designed the product with the object of it being easy to use.
Con el propósito de que (With the purpose of)	Reformamos la empresa con el propósito de que sea más eficiente.	We reform the company with the purpose of it being more efficient.
A que (In order that)	Te llevo a que conozcas a mis amigos.	I take you in order that you meet my friends.

Condition Clauses Examples

This table provides examples of the subjunctive in condition clauses, showcasing how conjunctions like *a menos que* and *en caso de que* introduce conditions for an action.

Conjunction	Example Sentence	Translation
A menos que (Unless)	No iré a la fiesta a menos que tú vayas.	I won’t go to the party unless you go.
Con tal de que (Provided that)	Te ayudaré con tal de que me digas la verdad.	I will help you provided that you tell me the truth.
En caso de que (In case)	Lleva un paraguas en caso de que llueva.	Take an umbrella in case it rains.
Siempre y cuando (As long as)	Te prestaré el coche siempre y cuando lo cuides.	I will lend you the car as long as you take care of it.
Como (If)	Como no vengas, me enfadaré.	If you don’t come, I will get angry.
A menos que (Unless)	No te perdonaré a menos que te disculpes.	I won’t forgive you unless you apologize.
Con tal de que (Provided that)	Te daré el trabajo con tal de que seas responsable.	I will give you the job provided that you are responsible.
En caso de que (In case)	Guarda una copia en caso de que pierdas el original.	Keep a copy in case you lose the original.
Siempre y cuando (As long as)	Puedes usar mi computadora siempre y cuando no la dañes.	You can use my computer as long as you don’t damage it.
Como (If)	Como no estudies, suspenderás el examen.	If you don’t study, you will fail the exam.
A menos que (Unless)	No te hablaré a menos que me digas la verdad.	I won’t talk to you unless you tell me the truth.
Con tal de que (Provided that)	Te visitaré con tal de que me invites.	I will visit you provided that you invite me.
En caso de que (In case)	Ten cuidado en caso de que te encuentres con él.	Be careful in case you meet him.
Siempre y cuando (As long as)	Puedes quedarte aquí siempre y cuando te portes bien.	You can stay here as long as you behave well.
Como (If)	Como no llegues a tiempo, perderás el vuelo.	If you don’t arrive on time, you will miss the flight.
A menos que (Unless)	No te dejaré entrar a menos que tengas una invitación.	I won’t let you in unless you have an invitation.
Con tal de que (Provided that)	Te ayudaré con la mudanza con tal de que me invites a cenar.	I will help you with the move provided that you invite me to dinner.
En caso de que (In case)	Apaga las luces en caso de que salgas de la casa.	Turn off the lights in case you leave the house.
Siempre y cuando (As long as)	Puedes usar mi coche siempre y cuando lo llenes de gasolina.	You can use my car as long as you fill it with gas.
Como (If)	Como no me escuches, cometerás un error.	If you don’t listen to me, you will make a mistake.

Concession Clauses Examples

This table offers examples of the subjunctive in concession clauses, demonstrating how conjunctions like *aunque* and *a pesar de que* introduce concessions that do not prevent the main action.

Conjunction	Example Sentence	Translation
Aunque (Although, Even if)	Aunque llueva, iremos al parque.	Even if it rains, we will go to the park.
A pesar de que (Despite the fact that)	A pesar de que esté cansado, te ayudaré.	Despite the fact that I am tired, I will help you.
Si bien (Even though)	Si bien sea difícil, lo lograremos.	Even though it is difficult, we will achieve it.
Por más que (No matter how much)	Por más que lo intentes, no lo convencerás.	No matter how much you try, you won’t convince him.
Así (Even if)	Así no quieras, tienes que hacerlo.	Even if you don’t want to, you have to do it.
Aunque (Although, Even if)	Aunque no me creas, estoy diciendo la verdad.	Even if you don’t believe me, I am telling the truth.
A pesar de que (Despite the fact that)	A pesar de que esté ocupado, te haré un espacio.	Despite the fact that I am busy, I will make time for you.
Si bien (Even though)	Si bien sea caro, lo compraremos.	Even though it is expensive, we will buy it.
Por más que (No matter how much)	Por más que me ruegues, no te perdonaré.	No matter how much you beg me, I won’t forgive you.
Así (Even if)	Así no te guste, tienes que comer.	Even if you don’t like it, you have to eat.
Aunque (Although, Even if)	Aunque no tengas dinero, te invitaré.	Even if you don’t have money, I will invite you.
A pesar de que (Despite the fact that)	A pesar de que no me gusta, lo haré por ti.	Despite the fact that I don’t like it, I will do it for you.
Si bien (Even though)	Si bien sea peligroso, lo intentaremos.	Even though it is dangerous, we will try it.
Por más que (No matter how much)	Por más que estudies, no entenderás esta lección.	No matter how much you study, you won’t understand this lesson.
Así (Even if)	Así no quieras venir, te necesito aquí.	Even if you don’t want to come, I need you here.
Aunque (Although, Even if)	Aunque esté lloviendo, iremos a caminar.	Even though it’s raining, we will go for a walk.
A pesar de que (Despite the fact that)	A pesar de que no me sienta bien, iré a trabajar.	Despite the fact that I don’t feel well, I will go to work.
Si bien (Even though)	Si bien sea difícil, sé que puedo hacerlo.	Even though it’s difficult, I know I can do it.
Por más que (No matter how much)	Por más que lo piense, no sé qué hacer.	No matter how much I think about it, I don’t know what to do.
Así (Even if)	Así no estés de acuerdo, es mi decisión.	Even if you don’t agree, it’s my decision.

Manner Clauses Examples

This table illustrates the use of the subjunctive in manner clauses, where the conjunction *como si* always triggers the subjunctive.

Conjunction	Example Sentence	Translation
Como si (As if)	Habla como si fuera un experto.	He speaks as if he were an expert.
Como si (As if)	Se comporta como si no pasara nada.	He behaves as if nothing happened.
Como si (As if)	Actúa como si lo supiera todo.	He acts as if he knew everything.
Como si (As if)	Canta como si fuera un ángel.	She sings as if she were an angel.
Como si (As if)	Baila como si nadie la viera.	She dances as if no one were watching her.
Como si (As if)	Llora como si le doliera mucho.	He cries as if it hurt him a lot.
Como si (As if)	Se ríe como si fuera gracioso.	He laughs as if it were funnny.
Como si (As if)	Duerme como si estuviera muerto.	He sleeps as if he were dead.
Como si (As if)	Camina como si fuera modelo.	She walks as if she were a model.
Como si (As if)	Conduce como si fuera piloto de carreras.	He drives as if he were a race car driver.
Como si (As if)	Cocina como si fuera chef.	She cooks as if she were a chef.
Como si (As if)	Pinta como si fuera artista.	He paints as if he were an artist.
Como si (As if)	Escribe como si fuera escritor.	She writes as if she were a writer.
Como si (As if)	Habla inglés como si fuera nativo.	He speaks English as if he were a native speaker.
Como si (As if)	Se viste como si fuera rico.	He dresses as if he were rich.
Como si (As if)	Gasta dinero como si fuera millonario.	He spends money as if he were a millionaire.
Como si (As if)	Se preocupa como si fuera madre.	She worries as if she were a mother.
Como si (As if)	Se enoja como si fuera niño.	He gets angry as if he were a child.
Como si (As if)	Se alegra como si fuera Navidad.	She rejoices as if it were Christmas.
Como si (As if)	Se asusta como si viera un fantasma.	He gets scared as if he saw a ghost.

Usage Rules: When to Use the Subjunctive

The subjunctive mood is used in adverbial clauses when the conjunction expresses:

• Uncertainty or doubt about a future action.
• A purpose or intention for an action.
• A hypothetical condition for an action.
• A concession that is not a known fact.
• A manner described by “como si”.

However, it’s crucial to remember that some conjunctions can take either the subjunctive or the indicative, depending on the context. For example, “cuando” takes the subjunctive when referring to a future or uncertain event, but it takes the indicative when referring to a habitual or past action.

Example:

Cuando tenga tiempo, te llamaré. (Subjunctive – future action)

Cuando tenía tiempo, iba al parque. (Indicative – past habitual action)

Common Mistakes to Avoid

One common mistake is using the indicative mood after conjunctions that always require the subjunctive. Another frequent error is using the subjunctive when the indicative is needed, such as after “después de que” when referring to a past event.

Additionally, learners often confuse the use of “si” clauses, incorrectly using the subjunctive when the conditional tense is more appropriate.

Incorrect: Lo haré para que tú estás feliz.

Correct: Lo haré para que tú estés feliz. (Subjunctive)

Incorrect: Después de que llegué, te llamé.

Correct: Después de que llegué, te llamé. (Indicative because the action is in the past.)

Incorrect: Si tendría dinero, compraría una casa.

Correct: Si tuviera dinero, compraría una casa. (Subjunctive in the *si* clause, conditional in the main clause reflecting a hypothetical situation.)

Practice Exercises

Complete the following sentences by using the correct form of the verb in parentheses, choosing between the subjunctive and the indicative mood.

Question	Answer
1. Te llamaré tan pronto como yo ________ (llegar).	1. Te llamaré tan pronto como yo llegue.
2. Lo hago para que tú ________ (estar) contento.	2. Lo hago para que tú estés contento.
3. No iré a la fiesta a menos que tú ________ (ir).	3. No iré a la fiesta a menos que tú vayas.
4. Aunque ________ (llover), iremos al parque.	4. Aunque llueva, iremos al parque.
5. Habla como si ________ (ser) un experto.	5. Habla como si fuera un experto.
6. Siempre te ayudaré con tal de que me ________ (decir) la verdad.	6. Siempre te ayudaré con tal de que me digas la verdad.
7. En caso de que ________ (necesitar) ayuda, llámame.	7. En caso de que necesites ayuda, llámame.
8. No saldré hasta que ________ (terminar) mi trabajo.	8. No saldré hasta que termine mi trabajo.
9	9. Lo haré cuando yo ________ (tener) tiempo.	9. Lo haré cuando yo tenga tiempo.
10. Te lo diré antes de que tú ________ (saber) la verdad por otro lado.	10. Te lo diré antes de que tú sepas la verdad por otro lado.

Advanced Topics

For advanced learners, exploring the nuances of the subjunctive in more complex sentence structures can be beneficial. This includes understanding the use of the subjunctive in compound sentences with multiple clauses and recognizing the subtle differences in meaning that the subjunctive can convey in various contexts.

Additionally, exploring regional variations in subjunctive usage can provide a deeper understanding of the Spanish language.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Mastering the subjunctive in adverbial clauses is essential for achieving fluency and accuracy in Spanish. By understanding the rules, recognizing the common conjunctions that trigger the subjunctive, and practicing regularly, you can confidently express nuanced meanings and communicate effectively in a variety of situations.

This article has provided a comprehensive guide to the subjunctive in adverbial clauses, equipping you with the knowledge and tools to enhance your Spanish language skills. Keep practicing, and you’ll soon find using the subjunctive to be second nature.