Spanish expressions that require the

subjunctive
Introduction
In Spanish, the subjunctive is required after certain expressions. For example, these include some
conjunctions, impersonal expressions, and expressions of wishing, willing, commanding, or
doubting. However, we have to be aware that some of these expressions are used with que and
some without it.

Conjunctions
expression + subjuntivo

Example:
Mientras vivas en esta casa, deberás respetar las normas.
Spanish English
a condición de
on the condition that
que
a fin de que so that; in order that
a no ser que unless
a pesar de que although
aunque even though
como si as if
con tal de que provided that
cuando when, if
de ahí que hence
después de que after
en el caso de que in the case that
hasta que until
mientras que while
para que so that, in order that
 Spanish English
por miedo a que for fear that
sin que without
tan pronto como as soon as
etc.

Expressing doubt
expression + subjuntivo

Example:
Probablemente ellos aún no hayan llegado.
Spanish English
posiblemente possibly
probablemente probably
quizá maybe, perhaps
quizás maybe, perhaps
tal vez maybe, perhaps

Wish, will, or command

expression + que + subjuntivo

Example:
Basta que hubiéramos llamado antes.
Spanish English
basta it suffices
importa it’s important
urge it’s urgent
ojalá hopefully, it is to be hoped

Impersonal expressions
expression + que + subjuntivo
Example:
Te compro lo que quieras con tal de que seas feliz.
Spanish English
a no ser unless
con tal de as long as
es aconsejable it is advisable
es conveniente it is sensible/desirable
es fundamental it is fundamental
es importante it is important
es posible it is possible
es probable it is probable
es imprescindible it is indispensable/essential
es improbable it is unlikely
es incierto it is uncertain
es interesante it is interesting
es mejor it is better
es necesario it is necessary
es urgente it is urgent