While I drink my coffeeBefore you practise: rules and examples
These topics cover this set, including review questions. Open the guide and refer to it while answering.
The subjunctive after a request or proposal
Querer / pedir / necesitar / proponer que and es importante / posible que introduce a desired action, judgement or possibility. They normally take the subjunctive: start from present yo without -o, then -ar → -e-, -er / -ir → -a-. Person endings: -e, -es, -e, -emos, -éis, -en or -a, -as, -a, -amos, -áis, -an. Irregular forms include sea, vaya, esté, haya, dé, sepa. Sin que also takes the subjunctive.
Espero que tengas tiempo. Podemos hablar sin que nadie nos interrumpa.I hope you have time. We can talk without anyone interrupting us.
Antes de + infinitive
Antes de + infinitive means before doing something with the same subject. Do not use a conjugated verb after de. A separate subordinate clause uses antes de que + subjunctive.
Antes de salir, cierro las ventanas.Before going out, I close the windows.
Lo que: focusing on an idea
Lo que means what / the thing that and refers to an idea or situation, not a masculine noun. It can introduce what matters, worries someone or is needed.
Lo que necesito es descansar.What I need is to rest.
Al + infinitive
Al + infinitive describes the moment of an action: when / on doing something. The other clause says what happens at that moment.
Al abrir la ventana, oigo la lluvia.When I open the window, I hear the rain.
1. Propongo que ___ los dos casos.
2. Antes de ___ el cálculo, revisamos el caso.
3. ___ que me preocupa es la diferencia entre las cantidades.
4. Al ___ atrás, cambia la cantidad.
5. ¿Qué mensaje permite repetir un fallo?
6. ¿Cómo comprobamos el cambio?
Review from Nº6These items appeared in the previous issue. See what has changed since then.
7. Necesito que ___ el plazo.
8. ¿A qué te ___ con «pronto»?