B1 Subjunctive 17 min read Medium

Asking others to do things (Necesitar que)

To ask others to do something, use necesitar que followed by a second subject and a subjunctive verb.
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Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds

Use the subjunctive when you want someone else to do something, triggered by 'que'.

  • Rule 1: Use two different subjects (I want, you do). Example: Quiero que tú estudies.
  • Rule 2: Use the 'que' connector. Example: Necesito que vengas.
  • Rule 3: Use the subjunctive verb form. Example: Ella quiere que nosotros comamos.
Subject 1 + Verb of Influence + que + Subject 2 + Verb (Subjunctive)

Overview

To navigate Spanish successfully, you must master structures that allow you to influence or articulate requirements involving others. The construction Necesitar que + Subjunctive is a cornerstone of B1-level communication, enabling you to express a need, requirement, or strong expectation for another person or entity to perform an action. This moves beyond merely stating your own needs, such as Necesito comer (I need to eat), to directing or requesting an action from someone else, like Necesito que comas (I need you to eat).

This grammatical pattern is essential for effective coordination, instruction, and nuanced social interaction. The core reason the subjunctive mood is mandated here lies in the nature of the action described in the subordinate clause: it is not a factual statement, but rather an unfulfilled, desired, or required action that exists in the realm of influence, possibility, or necessity. Because this action is not yet a reality but a goal from the speaker's perspective, Spanish employs the subjunctive mood to reflect this inherent subjectivity.

Understanding this fundamental distinction is crucial for both grammatical accuracy and precise communication in Spanish.

How This Grammar Works

The linguistic rationale behind Necesitar que + Subjunctive rests on two critical principles: a change of subject between the main and subordinate clauses, and the expression of subjectivity, influence, or necessity. Spanish grammar dictates that when the main verb conveys a desire, emotion, doubt, or influence, and its subject differs from the subject of the action in the subordinate clause, that subordinate verb must shift into the subjunctive mood.
Consider the fundamental contrast: if the subject of necesitar is the same as the subject performing the action, you use necesitar followed directly by an infinitive. For instance, Yo necesito estudiar (I need to study). Here, yo is the subject of both necesito and estudiar; there is no second, distinct subject performing the action of studying.
This is a straightforward expression of personal need.
However, when a second, distinct subject is introduced for the action in the subordinate clause, the grammatical rules shift. The main clause expresses your need (Yo necesito), while the subordinate clause specifies what another person or thing should do (que tú estudies). The indispensable connector que links these two clauses, acting as the bridge that signals both the change in subject and the subsequent requirement for the subjunctive mood.
The action estudies is not a certainty or a fact; it is a required or desired outcome that originates from the speaker's influence or necessity. This inherent subjectivity and lack of factual assertion are precisely what trigger the subjunctive mood.
This pattern aligns perfectly with the broader use of the subjunctive in Spanish, which often functions to express non-factual or subjective states. While many learners recall the WEIRDO acronym (Wishes/wants, Emotions, Impersonal expressions, Recommendations/requests, Doubt/denial, and Ojalá), Necesitar que directly falls under Recommendations/requests and expressions of influence or necessity. For example, Necesito que vengas (I need you to come) clearly indicates that your arrival is not a current fact, but a necessary event from the speaker's viewpoint.
The action is pending and subject to the will or compliance of the second party.
The strength of necesitar also plays a role. It implies a significant requirement or obligation, often stronger than querer que (to want someone to do something). If your boss says Necesito que termines este informe hoy, it carries a stronger weight of obligation than Quiero que termines este informe hoy.
The former is often non-negotiable; the latter is a strong preference. This distinction is vital for conveying appropriate levels of urgency and expectation in professional and personal contexts.

Formation Pattern

1
Constructing grammatically correct sentences with Necesitar que + Subjunctive involves a precise, multi-step process. Adhering to this structure ensures both clarity and proper conveyance of your intent.
2
The Core Formula:
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[Subject 1] + necesitar (conjugated in the present indicative) + que + [Subject 2] + [Verb in Present Subjunctive]
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Step 1: Conjugate necesitar in the Present Indicative Mood
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Begin by conjugating the verb necesitar according to the subject who possesses the need. For B1 learners, this will primarily be in the present indicative tense. This part of the sentence states the factual need of the speaker or the main subject.
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| Subject | Necesitar (Present Indicative) |
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| :-------------- | :------------------------------- |
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| yo | necesito |
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| tú | necesitas |\
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| él/ella/usted | necesita |\
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| nosotros/as | necesitamos |\
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| vosotros/as | necesitáis |\
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| ellos/ellas/ustedes | necesitan |
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Yo necesito que... (I need that...)
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Ellos necesitan que... (They need that...)
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Step 2: Introduce the Connector que
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Place the conjunction que immediately after the conjugated form of necesitar. This que is indispensable; it acts as the grammatical bridge connecting the main clause (expressing the need) to the subordinate clause (describing the action to be performed by the second subject). Crucially, it also signals the upcoming shift in mood to the subjunctive.
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Necesito que tú me ayudes. (I need that you help me.)
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Necesitamos que María venga. (We need that María come.)
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Step 3: Identify the Second Subject
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Determine who or what needs to perform the action. This individual or entity will be the subject of the subordinate clause. While explicit subject pronouns (tú, él, ella, etc.) or nouns (María, el informe) can be used for clarity or emphasis, Spanish frequently omits them when the verb conjugation makes the subject unambiguous. For B1 learners, explicitly stating the subject can be helpful for reinforcing the structure.
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Necesito que tú traigas los libros. (I need you to bring the books.)
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Necesitamos que el informe esté listo. (We need the report to be ready.)
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Step 4: Conjugate the Second Verb in the Present Subjunctive Mood
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This is the most critical step. The verb describing the action to be performed by the second subject must be conjugated in the present subjunctive. To form regular present subjunctive verbs, you generally take the yo form of the present indicative, remove the -o ending, and then add the appropriate subjunctive endings:
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Regular Present Subjunctive Endings
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| Subject | -ar verbs (e.g., hablar) | -er verbs (e.g., comer) | -ir verbs (e.g., vivir) |
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| :-------------- | :-------------------------- | :------------------------- | :------------------------- |\
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| yo | hable | coma | viva |\
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| tú | hables | comas | vivas |\
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| él/ella/Ud. | hable | coma | viva |\
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| nosotros/as | hablemos | comamos | vivamos |\
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| vosotros/as | habléis | comáis | viváis |\
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| ellos/as/Uds. | hablen | coman | vivan |
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Irregular Present Subjunctive Verbs and Stem Changes
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Many verbs have irregular subjunctive forms or stem changes that mirror those in the present indicative. Common irregular verbs to memorize (often remembered by the acronym DISHES in some methods) include:
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Dar: dé, des, dé, demos, deis, den
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Ir: vaya, vayas, vaya, vayamos, vayáis, vayan
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Saber: sepa, sepas, sepa, sepamos, sepáis, sepan
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Haber: haya, hayas, haya, hayamos, hayáis, hayan
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Estar: esté, estés, esté, estemos, estéis, estén
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Ser: sea, seas, sea, seamos, seáis, sean
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Verbs with stem changes in the present indicative (e.g., dormir > duermo, pensar > pienso, pedir > pido) generally maintain these changes in the present subjunctive, with some variations for nosotros/vosotros forms in -ir verbs. For example, pensar (e > ie) becomes piense, pienses, piense, pensemos, penséis, piensen. Dormir (o > ue) becomes duerma, duermas, duerma, durmamos, durmáis, duerman. Pedir (e > i) becomes pida, pidas, pida, pidamos, pidáis, pidan.
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Necesito que pidas permiso. (I need you to ask for permission.) - pedir (e>i stem change)
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Los niños necesitan que sus padres estén presentes. (Children need their parents to be present.) - estar (irregular)
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Negative Constructions
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To express that you need someone not to do something, simply place no before the conjugated subjunctive verb in the subordinate clause.
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Necesito que no llegues tarde. (I need you not to arrive late.)
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Necesitamos que ellos no digan nada. (We need them not to say anything.)

When To Use It

Necesitar que + Subjunctive is employed in various scenarios where a requirement, obligation, or strong expectation is placed upon a different subject. Its usage reflects a dynamic of influence or a perceived necessity from the speaker's perspective.
  1. 1Expressing Requirements or Obligations: Use this structure when something must happen for a particular outcome or to fulfill a specific condition. It conveys a strong sense of necessity.
  • Necesito que me envíes el informe antes del viernes. (I need you to send me the report before Friday.)
  • La empresa necesita que los empleados cumplan con las normas de seguridad. (The company needs employees to comply with safety regulations.)
  1. 1Making Strong Requests or Demands: While pedir que is common for requests, necesitar que implies a more pressing or non-negotiable request. It's often used when the request is crucial for the speaker's well-being, success, or completion of a task.
  • Necesito que me ayudes con este problema; no puedo solo. (I need you to help me with this problem; I can't do it alone.)
  • Necesitamos que todos colaboren para que el proyecto salga bien. (We need everyone to collaborate so the project turns out well.)
  1. 1Delegating Tasks and Assigning Responsibilities: In professional or organizational settings, necesitar que is a direct way to assign duties, particularly when the completion of one task is dependent on another person's action.
  • El gerente necesita que Juan revise los documentos y los firme. (The manager needs Juan to review and sign the documents.)
  • Necesitamos que el equipo de marketing prepare la presentación para el lunes. (We need the marketing team to prepare the presentation for Monday.)
  1. 1Expressing Expectations: This construction can convey what you expect or require from others, reflecting a standard or anticipated behavior. It's about setting terms or outlining anticipated actions.
  • Los clientes necesitan que seamos eficientes y amables. (Clients need us to be efficient and kind.)
  • Necesito que tus notas mejoren si quieres ir al campamento de verano. (I need your grades to improve if you want to go to summer camp.)
  1. 1Impersonal Constructions: When the need is general or applies to everyone, you might encounter Se necesita que... (It is necessary that...). This is common in official announcements, regulations, or public notices. The 'se' often implies a passive or general subject.
  • Se necesita que los visitantes usen mascarilla dentro del edificio. (It is necessary that visitors wear a mask inside the building.)
  • Para aplicar, se necesita que el candidato tenga experiencia previa. (To apply, it is necessary that the candidate has previous experience.)
This usage highlights a cultural aspect: Spanish often uses se impersonal constructions to state rules or requirements without directly assigning agency, which can sound less accusatory or demanding than explicitly stating Nosotros necesitamos que ustedes....

Common Mistakes

Learners often encounter specific pitfalls when employing Necesitar que + Subjunctive. Recognizing these common errors and understanding their underlying causes will help you avoid them and achieve greater fluency.
  1. 1Using the Infinitive Instead of the Subjunctive (Different Subjects): This is by far the most frequent mistake. Learners mistakenly use the infinitive in the subordinate clause even when there are two different subjects.
  • Incorrect: Necesito que tú estudiar. (This directly translates to "I need that you to study," which is ungrammatical.)
  • Correct: Necesito que tú estudies.
  • Why it's wrong: The rule demanding the subjunctive with a change of subject is absolute for verbs of influence like necesitar. The infinitive is only used when the subject of both verbs is the same (e.g., Necesito estudiar). Failing to change to the subjunctive signals a fundamental misunderstanding of mood usage in dependent clauses.
  1. 1Using the Indicative Instead of the Subjunctive: Another common error is using the present indicative in the subordinate clause, treating the action as a factual statement rather than a desired or required outcome.
  • Incorrect: Necesito que él viene. (I need that he comes, implying his coming is a certainty).
  • Correct: Necesito que él venga. (I need that he come, expressing a requirement or request for him to come).
  • Why it's wrong: The indicative is for facts and certainties. Necesitar que expresses a need for an action to occur, an action that is not yet real or guaranteed. The subjunctive correctly reflects this non-factual, subjective nature.
  1. 1Omitting que: The conjunction que is a mandatory link between the main clause and the subordinate clause in this construction. Removing it creates an ungrammatical sentence.
  • Incorrect: Necesito tú me ayudes.
  • Correct: Necesito que tú me ayudes.
  • Why it's wrong: que acts as a crucial bridge, signaling to the listener or reader that a new clause with a potentially different subject and mood is about to follow. Without it, the sentence fragments and loses coherence.
  1. 1Confusing Necesitar que with Querer que: Both constructions require the subjunctive and involve influencing another subject. However, their nuances differ significantly.
  • Quiero que vengas. (I want you to come. This expresses a preference or desire.)
  • Necesito que vengas. (I need you to come. This expresses a requirement or strong necessity.)
  • Why it's important to distinguish: While both use the subjunctive, necesitar que conveys a stronger sense of obligation or indispensable requirement. Using querer que when necesitar que is appropriate can soften the message too much, potentially leading to unmet expectations.
  1. 1Incorrect Subjunctive Conjugations: Many errors stem from incorrectly conjugating the verb in the subjunctive mood, especially with irregular verbs or verbs that undergo stem changes.
  • Incorrect: Necesito que tú haces la tarea. (Using indicative haces instead of subjunctive hagas).
  • Correct: Necesito que tú hagas la tarea.
  • Why it's wrong: Mastering subjunctive conjugations, particularly irregularities, is a continuous process. Regular review of the subjunctive forms of common verbs is essential to avoid these errors.
By consciously reviewing these points, you can significantly improve your accuracy and confidence when using Necesitar que + Subjunctive.

Real Conversations

Necesitar que + Subjunctive is a ubiquitous structure in everyday Spanish, reflecting the constant human need to coordinate, request, and depend on others. Its use spans various registers, from casual texts to formal professional communications.

1. Professional and Work Settings:

In a professional context, Necesitar que is a direct and efficient way to delegate tasks, set expectations, and ensure project progression. It conveys a clear sense of requirement.

- Email to a colleague: Hola Juan, necesito que me envíes los datos del cliente antes de la reunión de mañana. Es urgente. (Hi Juan, I need you to send me the client's data before tomorrow's meeting. It's urgent.)

- Team meeting (Spain): Necesitamos que todos estéis concentrados para cumplir los objetivos del trimestre. (We need all of you to be focused to meet the quarter's objectives.)

- Slack message (Latin America): Jefe, necesito que me apruebe el presupuesto para poder avanzar. (Boss, I need you to approve the budget so I can move forward.)

2. Family and Household Interactions:

Within families, this structure is common for assigning chores, making plans, or expressing personal needs that involve other family members.

- Parent to child: Hijo, necesito que recogas tu cuarto antes de cenar. (Son, I need you to clean your room before dinner.)

- Spouse to spouse: Necesito que vengas conmigo al supermercado, hay mucha compra. (I need you to come with me to the supermarket, there's a lot of groceries.)

- Sibling to sibling: Mi mamá necesita que la ayudemos a preparar la comida. (My mom needs us to help her prepare lunch.)

3. Social and Friend Circles:

Among friends, Necesitar que can be used for more serious requests or when expressing a genuine need for assistance, as opposed to a casual suggestion.

- Friend asking for a favor: Amigo, necesito que me hagas un gran favor este fin de semana. (Friend, I need you to do me a big favor this weekend.)

- Organizing an event: Necesitamos que todos confirmen su asistencia lo antes posible. (We need everyone to confirm their attendance as soon as possible.)

- In a crisis: Necesito que vengas ahora mismo, tengo un problema. (I need you to come right now, I have a problem.)

4. Customer Service and Public Announcements:

In more formal or transactional contexts, Necesitar que conveys requirements for procedures or informs the public of necessary actions.

- Customer to service agent: Necesito que me solucionen este problema con mi cuenta, es urgente. (I need you to solve this problem with my account, it's urgent.)

- Public sign (impersonal): Se necesita que los usuarios mantengan la distancia social. (It is necessary that users maintain social distance.)

A common cultural observation, particularly in Spain, is that Necesitar que can sometimes sound quite direct, almost like a command. Depending on the context and relationship, speakers might soften it with por favor (please) or opt for a less direct construction like ¿Podrías + infinitive...? if they want to avoid sounding demanding. However, its directness is also why it's so effective for conveying genuine necessity.

5. Informal Texting/Messaging:

In very informal written communication, such as text messages or WhatsApp, you might see abbreviations, but the subjunctive is still required.

- Necesito q me llames urgente. (q is a common abbreviation for que)

- Necesito q vengas ya! (I need you to come now!)

Quick FAQ

Here are some common questions about Necesitar que + Subjunctive, designed to clarify frequent doubts.
Q1: Can I use necesitar que with tenses other than the present indicative for the main verb?
Yes, absolutely. While the present indicative necesito is most common for B1 learners, necesitar can be conjugated in other indicative tenses. The key is that the subordinate clause will still typically require the subjunctive, though its tense might change to maintain sequence of tenses.
  • Past: Necesitaba que hicieras algo. (I needed you to do something.) - necesitar in imperfect indicative + imperfect subjunctive.
  • Future: Necesitaré que estés aquí. (I will need you to be here.) - necesitar in future indicative + present subjunctive.
  • Conditional: Necesitaría que me ayudaras. (I would need you to help me.) - necesitar in conditional + imperfect subjunctive.
Q2: What's the difference between Necesito que lo hagas and Lo necesito para que lo hagas?
  • Necesito que lo hagas. (I need you to do it.) - This expresses a direct requirement or request for someone to perform an action. The need is for the action itself.
  • Lo necesito para que lo hagas. (I need it so that you do it.) - This implies you need a specific thing or item in order for the other person to complete the action. The need is for the object, with the subsequent action being a consequence. The para que structure always triggers the subjunctive because it expresses purpose or intent.
Q3: What if the need is for myself, not for another person?
If the subject of necesitar is the same as the subject performing the action, you simply use necesitar followed by an infinitive, not que + subjunctive.
  • Necesito estudiar. (I need to study.) - The subject yo needs to study.
  • Necesitamos comprar comida. (We need to buy food.) - The subject nosotros needs to buy food.
Q4: Is necesitar que more formal than querer que?
Not necessarily more formal, but it conveys a stronger sense of obligation or indispensable requirement than a simple wish or desire expressed with querer que. You might use querer que to express a preference, whereas necesitar que implies a more critical or urgent condition.
| Phrase | Meaning | Implication |
| :--------------- | :------------------------------------------- | :------------------------------------- |\
| Quiero que vengas. | I want you to come. | My preference/desire. |\
| Necesito que vengas. | I need you to come. | My requirement/necessity; important. |
Q5: Are there any synonyms or alternative expressions for conveying similar ideas of necessity or influence?
Yes, several constructions can express similar concepts, and they also typically trigger the subjunctive due to their inherent subjectivity or influence:
  • Impersonal expressions:
  • Es necesario que... (It is necessary that...)
  • Es importante que... (It is important that...)
  • Es fundamental que... (It is fundamental that...)
  • Example: Es necesario que presentemos el proyecto a tiempo.
  • Verbs of request/command:
  • Pedir que... (To ask/request that...)
  • Exigir que... (To demand that...)
  • Mandar que... (To order that...)
  • Example: Me pidió que lo acompañara.
These alternatives provide flexibility in expressing needs and influences, allowing you to choose the most appropriate tone and nuance for any given situation in Spanish.

Subjunctive Endings

Verb Type Yo Tú Él/Ella Nosotros Ellos
-AR (Hablar)
hable
hables
hable
hablemos
hablen
-ER (Comer)
coma
comas
coma
comamos
coman
-IR (Vivir)
viva
vivas
viva
vivamos
vivan

Meanings

This structure is used to express desires, requests, or commands directed at another person.

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Direct Request

Asking someone to perform an action.

“Quiero que cierres la puerta.”

“Necesito que me llames.”

Reference Table

Reference table for Asking others to do things (Necesitar que)
Form Structure Example
Affirmative
Quiero que + Subj
Quiero que vengas
Negative
No quiero que + Subj
No quiero que vengas
Question
¿Quieres que + Subj?
¿Quieres que vaya?
Request
Te pido que + Subj
Te pido que esperes
Need
Necesito que + Subj
Necesito que llames
Hope
Espero que + Subj
Espero que ganes

Formality Spectrum

Formal
Le pido que se retire.

Le pido que se retire. (Professional vs Social)

Neutral
Quiero que te vayas.

Quiero que te vayas. (Professional vs Social)

Informal
Necesito que te largues.

Necesito que te largues. (Professional vs Social)

Slang
¡Lárgate!

¡Lárgate! (Professional vs Social)

The Subjunctive Trigger

Influencia

Verbs

  • Querer To want
  • Necesitar To need
  • Pedir To ask
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Examples by Level

1

Quiero que tú comas.

I want you to eat.

1

Necesito que me ayudes.

I need you to help me.

1

Espero que vengas a la fiesta.

I hope you come to the party.

1

Le pido que firme el contrato.

I ask him to sign the contract.

1

Exijo que se haga justicia.

I demand that justice be done.

1

Sugiero que busquemos una solución.

I suggest that we look for a solution.

Easily Confused

Asking others to do things (Necesitar que) vs Subjunctive vs Indicative

Learners use indicative for desires.

Asking others to do things (Necesitar que) vs Subjunctive vs Infinitive

Learners use infinitive after 'que'.

Asking others to do things (Necesitar que) vs Same Subject Rule

Learners use subjunctive when they are the subject.

Common Mistakes

✗

Quiero que tú ir.

✓

Quiero que tú vayas.

Never use the infinitive after que.
✗

Necesito tú vas.

✓

Necesito que tú vayas.

You must include 'que'.
✗

Quiero que tú comes.

✓

Quiero que tú comas.

Must use subjunctive ending.
✗

Espero tú vienes.

✓

Espero que tú vengas.

Missing 'que' and wrong conjugation.
✗

Pido que tú hablas.

✓

Pido que tú hables.

Wrong conjugation.
✗

Deseo que tú haces.

✓

Deseo que tú hagas.

Irregular verb conjugation.
✗

Espero que él va.

✓

Espero que él vaya.

Irregular subjunctive.
✗

Quiero que yo voy.

✓

Quiero que yo vaya.

Same subject rule confusion.
✗

Necesito que tú me das.

✓

Necesito que tú me des.

Dar is irregular.
✗

Espero que ellos saben.

✓

Espero que ellos sepan.

Saber is irregular.
✗

Exijo que tú haces.

✓

Exijo que tú hagas.

Subjunctive of influence with strong verbs.
✗

Sugiero que tú vas.

✓

Sugiero que tú vayas.

Subjunctive required after suggestion.
✗

Pido que tú vienes.

✓

Pido que tú vengas.

Subjunctive required after request.

Sentence Patterns

Quiero que ___ (tú) ___.

Necesito que ___ (él) ___.

Espero que ___ (nosotros) ___.

Pido que ___ (ellos) ___.

Real World Usage

Texting constant

Necesito que me mandes la ubicación.

Job Interview very common

Espero que me den la oportunidad.

Food Delivery common

Quiero que me traigan la comida caliente.

Travel common

Necesito que me ayuden con las maletas.

Social Media very common

Espero que les guste mi foto.

Classroom common

El profesor quiere que estudiemos.

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💡

The 'Que' Rule

Always look for 'que'. It is the red flag that tells you to use the subjunctive.
⚠️

Same Subject

If you are the one doing the action, don't use the subjunctive! Use the infinitive.
🎯

Opposite Endings

AR verbs take ER endings, and ER/IR verbs take AR endings. It's a simple swap.
💬

Politeness

Using the subjunctive is often more polite than using the imperative command form.

Smart Tips

Check if the subjects are different.

Quiero ir. → Quiero que tú vayas.

Use the subjunctive instead of a direct command.

¡Hazlo! → Necesito que lo hagas.

Ask yourself: is this a fact or a wish?

Sé que vienes. → Quiero que vengas.

Remember the 'yo' form trick.

Quiero que tú haces. → Quiero que tú hagas.

Pronunciation

hable /ah-bleh/

Subjunctive endings

The 'e' and 'a' sounds are clear and clipped.

Rising intonation

¿Quieres que vaya? ↑

Polite request.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

WEIRDO: Wishes, Emotions, Impersonal expressions, Recommendations, Doubt, Ojalá.

Visual Association

Imagine a puppet master pulling strings. The 'que' is the string, and the subjunctive verb is the puppet moving.

Rhyme

If you want someone to do, use the subjunctive, it's true!

Story

Maria wants her cat to dance. She says 'Quiero que bailes'. The cat looks at her and says 'No'. Maria says 'Necesito que bailes'. The cat dances.

Word Web

QuererNecesitarQueSubjuntivoDeseoInfluencia

Challenge

Write 5 sentences today using 'Necesito que...' to your friends or family.

Cultural Notes

Often uses 'querer que' for direct requests.

Very polite, often uses 'espero que' to soften requests.

Uses 'vos' form, so 'que vengas' becomes 'que vengás'.

Comes from Latin 'subjunctivus', meaning 'subjoined'.

Conversation Starters

“

¿Qué quieres que haga tu mejor amigo?

“

¿Qué necesitas que haga tu jefe?

“

¿Qué esperas que pase mañana?

“

¿Qué pides que cambie en tu ciudad?

Journal Prompts

Write about a perfect day. What do you want others to do?
Write a letter to your boss asking for a raise.
What do you hope your family does this weekend?
Write a list of rules for your housemates.

Common Mistakes

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

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Test Yourself

Fill in the blank.

Quiero que tú ___ (comer).

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: comas
Subjunctive ending for -ER verb.
Choose the correct form. Multiple Choice

Necesito que él ___ (hablar).

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: hable
Subjunctive ending for -AR verb.
Fix the sentence. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

Quiero que tú vas.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Quiero que tú vayas
Irregular subjunctive.
Reorder the words. Sentence Reorder

Arrange the words in the correct order:

All words placed

Click words above to build the sentence

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Quiero que tú vengas
Correct word order.
Translate to Spanish. Translation

I need you to help me.

Answer starts with: Nec...

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Necesito que me ayudes
Correct subjunctive form.
Match the verb to its subjunctive form. Match Pairs

Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: hable
Correct conjugation.
Conjugate 'vivir' for 'tú'. Conjugation Drill

Vivir -> ?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: vivas
Correct subjunctive form.
Build a sentence. Sentence Building

Espero / que / ellos / llegar

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Espero que ellos lleguen
Correct subjunctive form.

Score: /8

Practice Exercises

8 exercises
Fill in the blank.

Quiero que tú ___ (comer).

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: comas
Subjunctive ending for -ER verb.
Choose the correct form. Multiple Choice

Necesito que él ___ (hablar).

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: hable
Subjunctive ending for -AR verb.
Fix the sentence. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

Quiero que tú vas.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Quiero que tú vayas
Irregular subjunctive.
Reorder the words. Sentence Reorder

que / quiero / vengas / tú

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Quiero que tú vengas
Correct word order.
Translate to Spanish. Translation

I need you to help me.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Necesito que me ayudes
Correct subjunctive form.
Match the verb to its subjunctive form. Match Pairs

Hablar -> ?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: hable
Correct conjugation.
Conjugate 'vivir' for 'tú'. Conjugation Drill

Vivir -> ?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: vivas
Correct subjunctive form.
Build a sentence. Sentence Building

Espero / que / ellos / llegar

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Espero que ellos lleguen
Correct subjunctive form.

Score: /8

Practice Bank

10 exercises
Fill in the blank Fill in the Blank

Necesitamos que vosotros ______ (venir) a la fiesta.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: vengáis
Fix the sentence Error Correction

Yo necesito que tú escribes un mail.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Yo necesito que tú escribas un mail.
Put the words in the correct order Sentence Reorder

que / necesito / me / llames / tú

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Necesito que tú me llames
Translate to Spanish Translation

I need the students to study.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Necesito que los estudiantes estudien.
Match the beginning with the correct ending Match Pairs

Match the pairs:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Necesito que tú... | bebas agua
Choose the best option Multiple Choice

Necesito que la aplicación ______ rápido.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: funcione
Fill in the blank Fill in the Blank

Usted necesita que nosotros ______ (pagar) ahora.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: paguemos
Fix the error Error Correction

Necesito que tú haces la tarea.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Necesito que tú hagas la tarea.
Reorder the sentence Sentence Reorder

necesita / el / que / limpie / ella / cuarto

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Necesita que ella limpie el cuarto
Translate to Spanish Translation

We need you to listen.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Necesitamos que escuches.

Score: /10

FAQ (8)

Because you are expressing a wish, not a fact.

Only if you are stating a fact.

Use the infinitive.

Yes, it connects the two clauses.

Yes, like 'ir' (vaya) and 'dar' (dé).

Yes, very common.

Look at the infinitive.

Yes, it's a polite way to command.

Scaffolded Practice

1

1

2

2

3

3

4

4

Mastery Progress

Needs Practice

Improving

Strong

Mastered

Sign up free to practice

In Other Languages

French high

Subjonctif

French has more irregular forms.

German moderate

Konjunktiv I/II

German is less common for simple requests.

Japanese low

Volitional form

No 'que' connector.

Arabic partial

Jussive mood

Different syntax.

Chinese none

Modal verbs

No conjugation.

English low

Infinitive

Spanish uses a whole clause.

Learning Path

Prerequisites

Previous
I want you to... (Expressing Preferences for Others)
Next
Making Requests: Pedir Que (Ask to...)

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