The subjunctive mode is the one that presents the fact, the action, but in an uncertain, imprecise, doubtful or eventual way. This is the verb mode required in sentences that depend on other verbs.
Examples:
- maybe he arrive later.
- If no come, would not clarify the situation.
- When arrive, I serve the other guests.
simple subjunctive tenses
The simple subjunctive mode tenses are 3: gift, past tense imperfect and future.
1. Subjunctive Present
It is used in subordinate clauses to express present or future actions or facts.
Examples:
Is right may he win. (gift)
they wait that the artists appear. (future)
2. Imperfect Subjunctive Past tense
It is applied to indicate a past but inaccurate action.
Examples:
If I had money, would buy the entire building. (gift)
Even if I ate it all, no would be satisfied. (past)
3. Future of the Subjunctive
The future of the subjunctive is used in subordinate clauses as a way of indicating the possibility or eventuality in the future.
Examples:
I will wash the clothes if you feel like.
I will tell the truth if you have compassion.
Verb conjugation in simple subjunctive mode
verb to love
| Gift | Imperfect past tense | Future |
|---|---|---|
| that i love | if i loved | when i love |
| that you love | if you loved | when you love |
| that he loves | if he loved | when he had loved |
| that we love | if we loved | when we love |
| that you love | if you loved | when you love |
| may he love | if they loved | when they love |
verb to eat
| Gift | Imperfect past tense | Future |
|---|---|---|
| that I eat | if i ate | when i eat |
| that you eat | if you ate | when you eat |
| let him eat | if he ate | when he eats |
| that we eat | if we ate | when we eat |
| that you eat | if you ate | when you eat |
| let them eat | if they ate | when they eat |
verb to break
| Gift | Imperfect past tense | Future |
|---|---|---|
| that I leave | if i left | when i leave |
| that you leave | if you left | when you leave |
| let him leave | if he left | when he leaves |
| that we leave | if we left | when we leave |
| that you leave | if you left | when you leave |
| let him leave | if he left | when they leave |
Compound subjunctive tenses
The times of the compound subjunctive mode are 3: past perfect, more-than-perfect past tense and future.
1. Preterio Perfect of the Subjunctive
It is used in prayers whose action was completed prior to the moment in which we express ourselves.
Examples:
I think he already has left.
It is possible that we we have saved that document.
2. Preterio more-than-perfect of the Subjunctive
It is used when the verb expresses one action before another.
Examples:
If I had spoken the truth, my sister would not be grounded.
Same as you had spoken, her mother would ground her.
3. Future of the Subjunctive
It is used in prayers that indicate a future action that will end before another takes place.
Examples:
When have arrived, the party will begin.
we will have dinner after them have arrived.
Verb conjugation in compound subjunctive mode
Past perfect tense formation: present of the subjunctive of the verb ter + participle of the main verb.
Formation of the more-than-perfect past tense: imperfect past tense of the subjunctive of the verb ter + participle of the main verb.
verb to love
| Past Perfect | Past perfect past tense | Future |
|---|---|---|
| (I) have loved | (I) had loved | (I) have loved |
| (You) have loved | (you) had loved | (you) have loved |
| (He) has loved | (He) had loved | (He) has loved |
| (we) have loved | (we) had loved | (we) have loved |
| (you) have loved | (you) would have loved | (you) have loved |
| (they) have loved | (they) had loved | (they) have loved |
verb to eat
| Past Perfect | Past perfect past tense | Future |
|---|---|---|
| (I) have eaten | (I) had eaten | (I) have eaten |
| (you) have eaten | (you) had eaten | (you) have eaten |
| (He) has eaten | (He) had eaten | (He) has eaten |
| (we) have eaten | (we) had eaten | (we) have eaten |
| (you) have eaten | (you) had eaten | (you) have eaten |
| (they) have eaten | (they) had eaten | (they) have eaten |
verb to break
| Past Perfect | Past perfect past tense | Future |
|---|---|---|
| (I) have departed | (I) had left | (I) is gone |
| (You) have left | (You) had left | (you) have left |
| (He) has gone | (He) had left | (He) is gone |
| (we) have departed | (we) had departed | (we) have departed |
| (you) have departed | (you) would have departed | (you) are gone |
| (they) have departed | (they) had left | (they) are gone |
Complete your research by reading:
- Verbal Modes
- Verb tenses
- Indicative mode
- Imperative mode
Template Exercises
1. (UFF) Mark the series in which the highlighted verb forms are duly classified:
“When I arrive from the farm, I hope the party has already ended”.
a) subjunctive future, subjunctive past tense
b) infinitive, present subjunctive
c) future of the subjunctive, present of the subjunctive
d) infinitive, subjunctive imperfect past tense
e) infinitive, past perfect subjunctive
Alternative e: infinitive, past perfect subjunctive.
2. (TRF-RJ) Considering the verb forms highlighted in the three sentences below, the option with the correct classification of times and modes is, respectively:
1 – At least don't break your obligations.
2 – Maybe it rains at the end of the day.
3 – Type this document, please, Teresinha.
a) negative imperative/subjunctive present/affirmative imperative
b) subjunctive present / subjunctive present / affirmative imperative
c) negative imperative / present subjunctive / present indicative
d) subjunctive present / subjunctive present / indicative present
e) negative imperative/present tense/affirmative imperative
Alternative to: negative imperative/subjunctive present/affirmative imperative.
3. (Cefet-MG) The verb in the future of the subjunctive was used in:
a) … faced the dangers (…) to come and see her in the city.
b) If civilization ever wins that faraway place…
c) They continued to dialogue with some bitterness.
d) I had forgotten to tell him that I had made a promise…
e) and I found the lighthouse keeper busy polishing the metals of the lantern.
Alternative b: If civilization ever wins this faraway place...