Gramática avanzada How will you know when to use which tense? Well, if the subjunctive trigger of the main clause is in the present, then the verb in the subordinate clause will be in the present. Look at this sequence of tenses to learn when to use which tense. The tense of the subjunctive verb in the subordinate clause depends on the tense of the main verb, so make sure you review your verb tenses. When the verb in the main clause is in present, future, present perfect, or command, the subjunctive verb in the subordinate clause is in present or present perfect. The present subjunctive is used to express what is happening or what will happen, while the present perfect subjunctive is used to express what has happened or will have happened.
Examples: -Mi profesor quiere que yo haga la tarea. -Me alegraré de que mis amigos vengan a la fiesta. -Mi hermano me ha prohibido que yo entre a su cuarto. -Esperamos que ustedes se hayan divertido.
Look at this sequence for the imperfect and pluperfect subjunctive: When the verb in the main clause is in imperfect, preterite, pluperfect, or conditional, the subjunctive verb in the subordinate clause is in imperfect or pluperfect. The imperfect subjunctive expresses what was happening or would happen, whereas the pluperfect subjunctive reflects what had happened or would have happened. Note, however, that when the action of the subordinate clause happened in the past, the imperfect subjunctive may be used with a main verb in the present tense (ex. “Dudo que tu novia fuera Shakira”, “Me sorprende que gastaras mil dólares en un vestido para prom”). Page 55