Spanish grammar · Upper intermediate (B2)
More uses of the subjunctive: aunque, a menos que, alguien que
The Spanish subjunctive after aunque, after conjunctions like a menos que and con tal de que, and in relative clauses: busco a alguien que sepa.
Aunque: although or even if
+ indicative presents a fact (“although”). + subjunctive presents something that isn't a known fact, or that doesn't matter to your point (“even if”).
- Aunque llueve, salgo.Although it's raining, I'm going out.
- Aunque llueva, salgo.Even if it rains, I'm going out.
- Aunque todos sus amigos tienen móvil, no le compramos uno.Although all his friends have a mobile, we're not buying him one.
Conjunctions that always take the subjunctive
These conjunctions are always followed by the subjunctive, because they introduce something that hasn't happened, or may not happen. After a past verb, use the imperfect subjunctive: .
With , and , use the infinitive when both verbs have the same subject: .
| Conjunction | English | Example |
|---|---|---|
| so that | ||
| before | ||
| unless | ||
| as long as | ||
| in case, if | ||
| without |
Time conjunctions
, and (as soon as) take the subjunctive only when they refer to the future. For habits and the past, use the indicative.
- Cuando llegues, llámame.When you arrive, call me.
- Esperaré hasta que termines.I'll wait until you finish.
- En cuanto lo supe, te llamé.As soon as I found out, I called you.
Relative clauses: alguien que sepa
Use the subjunctive in a relative clause when the person or thing is unknown, may not exist, or doesn't exist. Use the indicative when you know it exists.
The personal is usually dropped before an unknown person who isn't specific: , but … ( and always take ).
| Known: indicative | Unknown or non-existent: subjunctive |
|---|---|