Key Takeaways
1. Understand the Spanish subjunctive as a 'mood', not just a tense
There's a certain feel to the subjunctive that appears and reappears in each family. It's difficult to put into words. It's like a feeling of uncertainty / doubt / possibility that permeates each sentence.
Mood vs. Tense: The subjunctive in Spanish is more than just a grammatical tense; it's a mood that expresses uncertainty, desire, or hypothetical situations. This concept can be challenging for English speakers, as the subjunctive is less prominent in English.
Triggers, not rules: Instead of focusing on rigid rules, learn to recognize "triggers" that signal the need for the subjunctive. These triggers often involve emotions, opinions, or hypothetical scenarios. By understanding the context and intent behind a sentence, you can more intuitively grasp when to use the subjunctive.
Common triggers include:
- Expressions of desire or want
- Doubts or uncertainty
- Recommendations or suggestions
- Emotions or reactions to situations
- Hypothetical or unreal situations
2. Master the WOOPA triggers: Wishes, Opinions, Obligations, Possibilities, Afterwards
Remember: Once a trigger, always a trigger.
WOOPA framework: This mnemonic device helps learners remember the main categories of subjunctive triggers:
- Wishes: Expressions of desire or hope
- Opinions: Statements of personal judgment or reaction
- Obligations: Commands or expressions of necessity
- Possibilities: Statements of doubt or uncertainty
- Afterwards: Clauses referring to future events
Practical application: By categorizing triggers into these groups, learners can more easily identify when to use the subjunctive. For example, when expressing a wish (Ojalá que...) or giving an opinion (Es importante que...), the subjunctive is likely needed.
Consistency is key: Once you've identified a trigger, the subjunctive is almost always required in the dependent clause, regardless of the certainty of the action.
3. Learn to recognize and use subjunctive in both present and past tenses
The great news is that there is little new information here. The reason for that is that the triggers are all the same. The only difference is that they are all set in the past tense, rather than the present or the future.
Present subjunctive: Used for current or future situations. It's formed by changing the ending of the verb (e.g., hablar -> hable, comer -> coma, vivir -> viva).
Past (imperfect) subjunctive: Used for past situations or hypothetical scenarios. It's formed using the third-person plural preterite form as a base (e.g., hablaran/hablasen, comieran/comiesen, vivieran/viviesen).
Consistency across tenses: The same WOOPA triggers apply in both present and past subjunctive. The choice between present and past depends on the time frame of the main clause and the intended meaning.
Examples:
- Present: Espero que vengas (I hope you come)
- Past: Esperaba que vinieras (I was hoping you would come)
4. Practice regularly to move through the four levels of learning
Understand that there is a very small band of non-native Spanish speakers who can use the subjunctive consistently well. And you are becoming one of them!
Four levels of learning:
- Unconscious Incompetence: You don't know what you don't know
- Conscious Incompetence: You realize how much you need to learn
- Conscious Competence: You can use the subjunctive correctly with effort
- Unconscious Competence: You use the subjunctive naturally without thinking
Progression through levels: Moving through these levels requires consistent practice and exposure to the subjunctive in various contexts. Don't be discouraged by setbacks; they're a natural part of the learning process.
Patience and persistence: Reaching unconscious competence with the subjunctive takes time. Embrace the journey and celebrate small victories along the way. Regular practice, even in small doses, is more effective than sporadic intensive study sessions.
5. Utilize the 'Power of Three' technique for effective learning
I was so impressed with how much the review was helping me that, once I was done, I repeated the book for the third time. (I must stress that I had a break between the second and third session. I am not a masochist!)
Power of Three method:
- First exposure: Familiarize yourself with the concept
- Second exposure: Reinforce understanding and identify areas for improvement
- Third exposure: Solidify knowledge and build confidence
Spaced repetition: Allow time between review sessions for information to sink in. This helps move knowledge from short-term to long-term memory.
Active recall: During each review, challenge yourself to recall information before checking the answers. This strengthens neural connections and improves retention.
Application: Apply this technique to exercises, vocabulary, and real-life Spanish conversations. Revisit challenging concepts multiple times to ensure mastery.
6. Grasp the nuances of the IF-WOULD structure in Spanish
If I won the lottery I would move to Spain.
Si ganara la lotería me mudaría a España.
Conditional sentences: The IF-WOULD structure in Spanish uses the imperfect subjunctive in the 'if' clause and the conditional tense in the main clause.
Key differences from English:
- Spanish uses a past tense (imperfect subjunctive) to refer to a hypothetical present or future
- The structure implies less likelihood than a simple present tense 'if' clause
Examples:
- More likely: Si gano la lotería, me mudaré a España. (If I win the lottery, I will move to Spain.)
- Less likely: Si ganara la lotería, me mudaría a España. (If I won the lottery, I would move to Spain.)
Practice identifying: Look for sentences that use a past tense to refer to a non-past situation, often paired with 'would' in English. These are likely candidates for the imperfect subjunctive in Spanish.
7. Explore advanced subjunctive usage in idiomatic expressions
Que te den por culo. = Go to hell. Shove it up your a@se, Blow it up your a@s.
Idiomatic subjunctive: Many common Spanish expressions use the subjunctive in ways that might seem unusual to learners.
Examples of idiomatic usage:
- "Que + subjunctive" as a command: Que te calles (Shut up)
- "Sea lo que sea" (Whatever it may be)
- "Como quieras" (As you wish)
Cultural context: Understanding these expressions not only improves your grammar but also helps you sound more natural and understand colloquial Spanish better.
Gradual incorporation: Start by recognizing these expressions when you hear them. As you become more comfortable, begin incorporating them into your own speech for a more authentic Spanish-speaking experience.
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FAQ
What is "Demystifying the Spanish Subjunctive" by Gordon Smith-Durán about?
- Comprehensive Subjunctive Guide: The book is a detailed, practical workbook focused on understanding and mastering the Spanish subjunctive mood.
- Personal Learning Journey: Gordon Smith-Durán shares his own struggles and breakthroughs with the subjunctive, making the content relatable and encouraging.
- Trigger-Based Approach: The core method is learning the "triggers" that require the subjunctive, rather than memorizing abstract rules or focusing on "why."
- Practice-Heavy Structure: The book is filled with exercises, reviews, and repetition, using the "Power of Three" to reinforce learning and build confidence.
Why should I read "Demystifying the Spanish Subjunctive" by Gordon Smith-Durán?
- Overcome Subjunctive Anxiety: The book is designed to reduce fear and confusion around the Spanish subjunctive, a common stumbling block for learners.
- Practical, Usable Spanish: It focuses on real-life usage, helping you speak and understand Spanish more naturally and accurately.
- Systematic, Logical Method: The trigger-based system is logical, easy to remember, and proven effective for both beginners and advanced students.
- Encouraging and Relatable: The author’s personal anecdotes and humor make the learning process less intimidating and more enjoyable.
What are the key takeaways from "Demystifying the Spanish Subjunctive"?
- Focus on Triggers: The subjunctive is used when certain "trigger" words or phrases appear, not just when there is doubt or uncertainty.
- Practice Over Theory: Repetition and practical exercises are more effective than overanalyzing grammar rules.
- Subjunctive Is a Mood, Not a Tense: Understanding that the subjunctive expresses attitudes, wishes, and possibilities, rather than just time.
- Progress Through Levels: Learning the subjunctive is a process, moving from conscious incompetence to unconscious competence with practice.
How does the trigger-based method in "Demystifying the Spanish Subjunctive" work?
- Identify the Trigger: Learn to recognize specific words or phrases (triggers) that require the subjunctive, such as "es posible que" or "quiero que."
- Apply the Subjunctive: Once a trigger is identified, the next verb is conjugated in the subjunctive mood.
- Use WOOPA Mnemonic: Triggers are grouped into families—Wishes, Opinions, Obligations, Possibilities, and Afterwards (WOOPA)—to simplify memorization.
- Ignore the "Why": The book advises not to get bogged down in the reasons behind the subjunctive, but to trust the trigger system for accuracy.
What are the main "trigger families" in "Demystifying the Spanish Subjunctive" and how do they help?
- WOOPA Framework: The five families are Wishes, Opinions, Obligations, Possibilities, and Afterwards, each with common triggers.
- Simplifies Learning: Grouping triggers by family helps learners focus on patterns rather than memorizing endless individual cases.
- Practical Examples: Each family is illustrated with real-life sentences and exercises, making the triggers easy to recognize and use.
- Encourages Selectivity: Learners are advised to pick a few favorite triggers from each family to use confidently in conversation.
How does "Demystifying the Spanish Subjunctive" explain the difference between the present and imperfect (past) subjunctive?
- Same Triggers, Different Time: The triggers for the subjunctive remain the same, but the verb conjugation changes depending on whether the context is present or past.
- Conjugation Patterns: The book provides clear instructions and tables for forming both present and imperfect subjunctive forms, including regular and irregular verbs.
- Mixing Tenses: It explains how present triggers can sometimes lead to past subjunctive forms, and vice versa, depending on the sentence.
- Practice Exercises: Numerous exercises help reinforce the differences and correct usage in both time frames.
What is the "Power of Three" method in "Demystifying the Spanish Subjunctive" and why is it important?
- Repetition for Mastery: The "Power of Three" means practicing the same exercises three times, each with increasing familiarity and confidence.
- Reinforces Learning: This method helps move knowledge from conscious effort to automatic, unconscious use.
- Tracks Progress: By repeating exercises, learners can see their improvement and identify persistent trouble spots.
- Builds Confidence: The approach ensures that by the end, students feel comfortable and capable using the subjunctive in real situations.
How does "Demystifying the Spanish Subjunctive" address common myths and mistakes about the subjunctive?
- Dispels the "Doubt Only" Myth: The book clarifies that the subjunctive is not just about doubt, but is triggered by specific structures and expressions.
- Avoids Overuse: It warns against "subjunctivitus," the tendency to use the subjunctive everywhere just because "que" appears.
- Focuses on Structure: Emphasizes that only certain combinations of words and "que" actually trigger the subjunctive.
- Provides Non-Trigger Examples: The book includes examples of similar sentences that do not require the subjunctive, helping learners avoid mistakes.
What are some advanced or subtle uses of the subjunctive covered in "Demystifying the Spanish Subjunctive"?
- Subtle Possibility Triggers: Explains cases like "no hay nadie que..." or "busco alguien que..." where the subjunctive is used for non-specific or hypothetical people/things.
- Double and Extended Triggers: Shows how multiple triggers in a sentence can require several subjunctive verbs.
- Colloquial and Shortened Forms: Covers informal uses like starting commands with "que" (e.g., "¡Que te calles!").
- Special Expressions: Teaches idiomatic phrases like "como si," "sea lo que sea," and "como quieras," which require the subjunctive.
How does "Demystifying the Spanish Subjunctive" help learners move from conscious to unconscious competence?
- Levels of Learning: The book outlines four stages—unconscious incompetence, conscious incompetence, conscious competence, and unconscious competence.
- Emphasizes Practice: Repeated, correct usage through exercises helps transfer knowledge to the unconscious mind.
- Encourages Patience: Learners are reminded that setbacks are normal and part of the process.
- Real-Life Application: The focus on practical, conversational Spanish helps bridge the gap between theory and fluent use.
What are the best quotes from "Demystifying the Spanish Subjunctive" by Gordon Smith-Durán and what do they mean?
- "Feel the fear and 'subjunctive' anyway." — Encourages learners to push through anxiety and practice, even if they're unsure.
- "The subjunctive is 90% logic and 10% art." — Highlights that most usage follows clear patterns, but some cases require intuition.
- "Once a trigger, always a trigger." — Reminds readers that the presence of a trigger consistently requires the subjunctive, regardless of tense.
- "The subjunctive isn’t what necessarily creates the doubt; it’s there to let you know that doubt is present." — Clarifies the relationship between meaning and mood in Spanish.
What practical advice does "Demystifying the Spanish Subjunctive" by Gordon Smith-Durán give for mastering the subjunctive?
- Focus on Triggers, Not Rules: Trust the trigger system and avoid overanalyzing "why" the subjunctive is used.
- Choose Your Favorites: Select a few triggers from each WOOPA family to use regularly, rather than trying to memorize all possibilities.
- Practice, Practice, Practice: Use the exercises and repeat them multiple times to build automaticity.
- Be Patient and Flexible: Accept mistakes as part of learning, and use alternative expressions if you get stuck.
Review Summary
Demystifying the Spanish Subjunctive receives mostly positive reviews, with readers praising its comprehensive approach to the subjunctive mood. Many find it helpful for intermediate learners, offering clear explanations and ample exercises. Some criticisms include lack of organization, occasional errors, and incomplete explanations. While most reviewers appreciate the book's depth and practical approach, a few found it confusing or lacking in certain areas. Overall, readers agree it's a valuable resource for those looking to improve their understanding of the Spanish subjunctive.
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