B2 Subjunctive 14 min read Medium

Irregular Present Subjunctive: The Big Rebels (Ser, Ir, Estar)

Memorize the unique stems of the 'Big 5' verbs (seja, esteja, vá, saiba, dê) to express doubt and desire naturally.
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Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds

The 'Big Three' (Ser, Ir, Estar) don't follow standard rules; memorize their unique stems to master the subjunctive mood.

  • Ser becomes 'seja' (e.g., 'Espero que ele seja feliz').
  • Ir becomes 'vá' (e.g., 'É importante que você vá').
  • Estar becomes 'esteja' (e.g., 'Duvido que ela esteja pronta').
Trigger Phrase (e.g., 'Espero que') + Irregular Subjunctive Verb

Overview

The Present Subjunctive is the mood of subjectivity, uncertainty, and desire in Portuguese. While most verbs follow a predictable pattern for conjugation, a small but critical group of high-frequency verbs—the true irregulars—demands special attention. This article focuses on the three most fundamental rebels: ser (to be), ir (to go), and estar (to be).

Their forms are not derived from the standard formula and must be memorized.

Mastering these three verbs is non-negotiable for reaching the B2 level and beyond. They are cornerstones of expression, appearing constantly in wishes, doubts, commands, and emotional reactions. Understanding their unique behavior is the key to unlocking a more nuanced and natural-sounding command of Portuguese.

We will also touch upon other important irregulars like dar, saber, and haver, whose patterns, while irregular, are essential for fluency.

Think of the regular subjunctive as a system with a clear algorithm. These verbs, however, are the exceptions that prove the rule—vestiges of historical linguistic evolution that have persisted into the modern language. Their importance in daily communication far outweighs their small number, making their mastery a high-impact investment of your learning time.

How This Grammar Works

The standard rule for forming the Present Subjunctive is to take the first-person singular (eu) form of the Present Indicative, drop the final -o, and add the opposite vowel ending. For example, falar becomes falo, which gives the stem fal-, leading to fale. Beber becomes bebo, giving the stem beb-, leading to beba.
This works for the vast majority of verbs, including many that are irregular in the indicative (e.g., fazer -> faço -> faça; ter -> tenho -> tenha).
However, the verbs ser, ir, and estar completely defy this pattern. Their subjunctive stems are not derived from their eu indicative forms (sou, vou, estou). Instead, they have unique, etymologically distinct stems that must be learned by rote.
This is what makes them profoundly irregular.
| Verb | eu Indicative | Expected Subjunctive Stem | Actual Subjunctive Stem | Result (eu/você/ele/ela) |
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
| ser | sou | N/A (no -o) | sej- | seja |
| ir | vou | N/A (no -o) | v- | vá |
| estar | estou | N/A (no -o) | estej- | esteja |
This radical departure is a product of the language's Latin roots. The forms seja, vá, and esteja evolved from separate Latin subjunctive verbs (sedere, vadere, stare) that were assimilated into Portuguese over centuries. You are not just learning an exception; you are learning a piece of linguistic history.
This is why you cannot guess these forms—they don't follow the modern logic of verb formation.
Furthermore, it is critical to distinguish the Present Subjunctive from the Future Subjunctive, especially with these verbs. The Future Subjunctive is used in dependent clauses that refer to a potential future action, often introduced by conjunctions like quando (when) or se (if).
Present vs. Future Subjunctive Contrast
| Verb | Present Subjunctive Trigger | Example | Future Subjunctive Trigger | Example |
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
| ser | Embora (Although) | Embora seja difícil, vou tentar. (Although it's difficult, I will try.) | Quando (When) | Quando você for mais velho, entenderá. (When you are older, you will understand.) |
| ir | Tomara que (I hope) | Tomara que ela vá à festa. (I hope she goes to the party.) | Se (If) | Se você for ao Brasil, me avise. (If you go to Brazil, let me know.) |
| estar | É preciso que (It's necessary that) | É preciso que você esteja pronto. (It's necessary that you be ready.) | Assim que (As soon as) | Assim que você estiver em casa, ligue. (As soon as you are home, call.) |
Confusing seja with for, vá with for, or esteja with estiver is a common B1/B2 level error. The key is to recognize the trigger word in the main clause. Triggers for doubt, desire, or emotion point to the Present Subjunctive.
Triggers for a hypothetical future condition point to the Future Subjunctive.

Formation Pattern

1
Here are the full conjugation tables for the core irregular verbs in the Present Subjunctive. Note the inclusion of tu and vós, which are essential for navigating European Portuguese (EP) and certain regions of Brazil.
2
1. SER (to be - permanent/essential characteristic)
3
The stem is sej-. Its form seja is ubiquitous in expressions of hope and necessity.
4
| Pronoun | Conjugation | Example Sentence |
5
| :--- | :--- | :--- |
6
| eu | seja | É possível que eu seja o escolhido. (It's possible that I am the chosen one.) |
7
| tu (EP/BR Sul) | sejas | Espero que tu sejas feliz. (I hope that you are happy.) |
8
| você/ele/ela/a gente | seja | O importante é que ele seja honesto. (The important thing is that he be honest.) |
9
| nós | sejamos | Eles querem que nós sejamos mais proativos. (They want us to be more proactive.) |
10
| vós (EP Formal) | sejais | Duvido que vós sejais capazes. (I doubt that you all are capable.) |
11
| vocês/eles/elas | sejam | Tomara que eles sejam bem-sucedidos. (I hope they are successful.) |
12
2. ESTAR (to be - temporary state/location)
13
The stem is estej-. Notice the stress pattern remains on the e of the stem, but there's no written accent in the subjunctive forms.
14
| Pronoun | Conjugation | Example Sentence |
15
| :--- | :--- | :--- |
16
| eu | esteja | Talvez eu esteja enganado. (Maybe I am mistaken.) |
17
| tu (EP/BR Sul) | estejas | Não creio que tu estejas doente. (I don't believe you are sick.) |
18
| você/ele/ela/a gente | esteja | Mande um abraço, onde quer que ela esteja. (Send a hug, wherever she may be.) |
19
| nós | estejamos | É bom que estejamos todos aqui. (It's good that we are all here.) |
20
| vós (EP Formal) | estejais | É preciso que vós estejais atentos. (It's necessary that you all are attentive.) |
21
| vocês/eles/elas | estejam | Sinto muito que eles estejam com problemas. (I'm sorry they are having problems.) |
22
3. IR (to go)
23
This verb is highly irregular. The forms vá and vão are very common in polite requests and suggestions. The nós form is a major point of confusion.
24
| Pronoun | Conjugation | Example Sentence |
25
| :--- | :--- | :--- |
26
| eu | vá | Ela não quer que eu vá embora. (She doesn't want me to go away.) |
27
| tu (EP/BR Sul) | vás | Não é seguro que tu vás sozinho. (It's not safe for you to go alone.) |
28
| você/ele/ela/a gente | vá | Vá com Deus. (Go with God. - A common farewell.) |
29
| nós | vamos | Talvez nós vamos ao cinema mais tarde. (Maybe we'll go to the movies later.) |
30
| vós (EP Formal) | vades | Peço que vades em paz. (I ask that you all go in peace.) |
31
| vocês/eles/elas | vão | É melhor que eles vão de táxi. (It's better that they go by taxi.) |
32
A Special Note on vamos: The nós form of the present subjunctive of ir is identical to the nós form of the present indicative (Nós vamos). Context is the only differentiator. If the clause expresses doubt, desire, or suggestion (Talvez..., É melhor que...), it's subjunctive. If it states a fact or a definite plan, it's indicative.
33
Other Key Irregulars to Memorize
34
These follow a similar principle of having unique stems.
35
| Verb | eu/você | nós | vocês/eles | Stem Logic |
36
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
37
| dar (to give) | dê | demos | deem | From Latin dare; dê has an accent to distinguish from de (of). |
38
| saber (to know) | saiba | saibamos | saibam | From an older form saibir; related to Spanish sepa. |
39
| querer (to want) | queira | queiramos | queiram | The r changes to ir in the stem. |
40
| haver (there to be) | haja | hajamos | hajam | Almost always used impersonally as haja. Haja luz! (Let there be light!) |

When To Use It

The triggers for the subjunctive mood are often summarized by acronyms like W.E.I.R.D.O. (Wishes, Emotions, Impersonal Expressions, Recommendations, Doubt, Ojalá/Orders). Let's see how our irregular rebels feature in these contexts.
  • Wishes and Desires: Expressing hope or a wish for a certain reality. Triggers: espero que, tomara que, desejo que.
  • Espero que você esteja bem. (I hope you are well.) - The classic email/message opener.
  • Tomara que seja algo simples de resolver. (I hope it's something simple to solve.)
  • Emotion: Reacting to a situation with feelings like sadness, happiness, or surprise. Triggers: sinto que, fico feliz que, é uma pena que.
  • Fico feliz que você vá participar. (I'm happy that you are going to participate.)
  • É uma pena que eles não sejam mais amigos. (It's a shame that they are no longer friends.)
  • Impersonal Expressions: Stating necessity, importance, or possibility in a general way. Triggers: é importante que, é necessário que, é possível que.
  • É fundamental que estejamos alinhados. (It is fundamental that we be aligned.)
  • É preciso que a solução seja para todos, não só para alguns. (The solution must be for everyone, not just for some.)
  • Recommendations and Requests: Suggesting, ordering, or asking someone to do something. Triggers: peço que, sugiro que, é melhor que.
  • Peço que você vá direto ao ponto. (I ask that you go straight to the point.)
  • O chefe insiste que o relatório esteja pronto até amanhã. (The boss insists that the report be ready by tomorrow.)
  • Doubt, Denial, and Negation: Expressing uncertainty or denying a fact. Triggers: duvido que, não creio que, talvez.
  • Duvido que ele saiba a resposta. (I doubt he knows the answer.)
  • Não acredito que haja uma solução fácil. (I don't believe there is an easy solution.)
  • Talvez nós vamos... ou talvez não. (Maybe we'll go... or maybe not.) - Here, talvez makes the subjunctive context clear for vamos.

Common Mistakes

Learners at the B2 level often have the basics down but fall into subtle yet revealing traps with these verbs. Pay close attention to these.
  1. 1The seje / esteje Non-Standard Forms: You will absolutely hear native speakers in informal contexts say seje instead of seja, and esteje instead of esteja. While common in some spoken dialects, these forms are considered grammatically incorrect and should be avoided in writing, formal speech, and your own learning process. Using seja and esteja is a clear marker of educated speech.
  • Incorrect: Tomara que ele esteje em casa.
  • Correct: Tomara que ele esteja em casa. (I hope he is at home.)
  1. 1Confusing ser and estar in the Subjunctive: The fundamental difference between ser (essence) and estar (state) does not disappear in the subjunctive. This is a higher-level challenge. Ask yourself: is the quality I'm wishing for/doubting a permanent characteristic or a temporary condition?
  • Espero que a festa seja divertida. (I hope the party is fun - referring to the event's intrinsic quality).
  • Espero que você esteja se divertindo na festa. (I hope you are having fun at the party - referring to your current state of emotion).
  1. 1The ir Conjugation Mix-up: Two common errors occur with ir. First, learners misapply the indicative vão to the singular você. Second, the vamos ambiguity is a constant hurdle.
  • Incorrect: É melhor que você vão agora.
  • Correct: É melhor que você vá agora. (It's better that you go now.)
  • Ambiguity: “Nós vamos amanhã.” - Is this a fact (indicative) or a possibility (subjunctive)? Without a trigger like talvez or espero que, it defaults to indicative. You must rely on the surrounding conversation to be sure.
  1. 1Forgetting the Accent on dê: The circumflex accent on dê (from dar) is not optional. It distinguishes the verb from the preposition de (of/from). In a sentence like Espero que ele me dê o livro, omitting the accent changes dê (give) to de (of), rendering the sentence nonsensical.
  • Incorrect: Espero que ela me de o presente.
  • Correct: Espero que ela me dê o presente. (I hope she gives me the present.)

Real Conversations

Textbook examples are clean, but real language is messy. Here is how these irregulars appear in modern, everyday communication.

S

Scenario 1

WhatsApp Chat (BR Portuguese)

Two friends planning a weekend trip.*

- Ana: E aí, tudo certo pra viagem? (Hey, all set for the trip?)

- Beto: Quase! Tô terminando umas coisas do trabalho. Tomara que eu termine a tempo. (Almost! I'm finishing some work stuff. I hope I finish in time.)

- Ana: Relaxa. Qualquer coisa, a gente te espera. O importante é que você vá. (Relax. Whatever happens, we'll wait for you. The important thing is that you go.)

- Beto: Valeu! E o tempo? Espero que esteja bom lá. (Thanks! And the weather? I hope it's good there.)

- Ana: Pois é... duvido que seja sol o tempo todo, mas pelo menos que não chova. (Yeah... I doubt it will be sunny the whole time, but at least let's hope it doesn't rain.)

S

Scenario 2

Work Email (Formal EP Portuguese)

A manager giving feedback on a proposal.*

A

Assunto

Proposta de Projeto X

Caro Diogo,

Agradeço o envio da proposta. Li o documento e, embora a ideia central seja boa, peço que reveja alguns pontos. É fundamental que a análise de custos esteja mais detalhada. Sugiro também que vades (or vão, addressing a team) diretamente à secção 3.2 para clarificar os objetivos.

Aguardo uma nova versão assim que possível.

Com os melhores cumprimentos,

Isabel

S

Scenario 3

Casual Conversation Snippet

Discussing a friend who is going through a tough time.*

"...eu não sei o que fazer. Queria que ele seja mais aberto, mas é o jeito dele. Só espero que ele esteja bem, de verdade. Talvez seja melhor a gente não falar nada por enquanto, a não ser que ele peça..."

(...I don't know what to do. I wish he were more open, but that's his way. I just hope he's okay, really. Maybe it's better we don't say anything for now, unless he asks...)

Note the slight grammatical error in speech Queria que ele seja. Formally, this would be imperfect subjunctive fosse, but in casual Brazilian Portuguese, this mixing is very common. Recognizing this pattern is a key listening skill.

Quick FAQ

Q: How important is haja, really? It feels archaic.

It is less frequent than the others but indispensable in its niche. You need it for two key situations: expressing hope for existence (Tomara que haja comida - I hope there's food) and in the famous expression Haja o que houver (Come what may). Its impersonal use as the subjunctive of há (there is/are) has no substitute, making it essential for a complete vocabulary.

Q: You listed querer -> queira. Is it used often?

Yes, frequently. Beyond its use after subjunctive triggers (Duvido que ele queira ir), queira is the backbone of polite, almost formal, requests in commercial or service settings. For example, a receptionist might say, Queira aguardar um momento, por favor (Please wait a moment). It's softer than the imperative Aguarde.

Q: For ir, what's the difference between Talvez a gente vá and Talvez a gente vai?

This is a fantastic question that gets to the heart of spoken Brazilian Portuguese. Grammatically, after talvez, the subjunctive is standard: Talvez a gente vá. However, in casual speech, it is extremely common to hear the indicative used instead: Talvez a gente vai. While technically not 'correct', it is so widespread that it sounds natural. For your own production at the B2 level, sticking to the subjunctive (vá) is the safer, more polished choice.

Q: Do I need to learn the vós forms like sejais and vades?

If your focus is exclusively on Brazilian Portuguese, you can consider the vós forms as passive knowledge for reading historical texts or literature. However, if you interact with European Portuguese materials, work with speakers from Portugal, or want a truly comprehensive command of the language, learning the vós forms is necessary. They are still in active use in formal contexts and certain regions of Portugal.

Present Subjunctive: Big Three

Pessoa Ser Ir Estar
Eu
seja
vá
esteja
Você/Ele
seja
vá
esteja
Nós
sejamos
vamos
estejamos
Eles
sejam
vão
estejam

Meanings

The present subjunctive is used to express doubt, desire, or subjectivity. These three verbs are the most frequent irregulars used in these contexts.

1

Desire/Wish

Expressing what you want someone else to be or do.

“Quero que você seja feliz.”

“Espero que ele vá à festa.”

2

Doubt/Uncertainty

Expressing skepticism about a state or action.

“Duvido que ele seja o culpado.”

“Não acho que ela vá viajar.”

3

Necessity/Impersonality

Stating that something is required or important.

“É preciso que você seja pontual.”

“É fundamental que ele vá ao médico.”

Reference Table

Reference table for Irregular Present Subjunctive: The Big Rebels (Ser, Ir, Estar)
Form Structure Example
Affirmative
Trigger + que + Verb
Quero que ele seja bom.
Negative
Trigger + que + não + Verb
Não acho que ele vá.
Question
Trigger + que + Verb + ...?
Será que ele esteja bem?
Impersonal
É [adj] que + Verb
É bom que você esteja aqui.
Doubt
Duvido que + Verb
Duvido que ele seja o dono.
Wish
Espero que + Verb
Espero que ela vá.

Formality Spectrum

Formal
Espero que Vossa Senhoria esteja bem.

Espero que Vossa Senhoria esteja bem. (Greeting/Texting)

Neutral
Espero que você esteja bem.

Espero que você esteja bem. (Greeting/Texting)

Informal
Espero que esteja bem.

Espero que esteja bem. (Greeting/Texting)

Slang
Espero que esteja tudo certo!

Espero que esteja tudo certo! (Greeting/Texting)

Subjunctive Triggers

Subjunctive

Desire

  • Querer To want

Doubt

  • Duvidar To doubt

Necessity

  • É preciso It is necessary
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Examples by Level

1

Espero que você seja feliz.

I hope you are happy.

1

Duvido que ele vá à festa.

I doubt he is going to the party.

1

É preciso que você esteja pronto.

It is necessary that you be ready.

1

Embora ele seja inteligente, ele não estuda.

Although he is intelligent, he doesn't study.

1

É fundamental que a empresa vá na direção certa.

It is fundamental that the company goes in the right direction.

1

Por mais que eu esteja cansado, continuarei trabalhando.

As tired as I may be, I will keep working.

Easily Confused

Irregular Present Subjunctive: The Big Rebels (Ser, Ir, Estar) vs Indicative vs Subjunctive

Learners use indicative for wishes.

Irregular Present Subjunctive: The Big Rebels (Ser, Ir, Estar) vs Infinitive vs Subjunctive

Learners use infinitive after 'que'.

Irregular Present Subjunctive: The Big Rebels (Ser, Ir, Estar) vs Ser vs Estar

Learners mix up permanent/temporary.

Common Mistakes

✗

Espero que ele é feliz.

✓

Espero que ele seja feliz.

Using indicative instead of subjunctive.
✗

Quero que ele ir.

✓

Quero que ele vá.

Using infinitive instead of conjugated subjunctive.
✗

É bom que ele está aqui.

✓

É bom que ele esteja aqui.

Using indicative.
✗

Eu seja feliz.

✓

Eu sou feliz.

Using subjunctive without a trigger.
✗

Duvido que ele ser o dono.

✓

Duvido que ele seja o dono.

Using infinitive.
✗

Talvez ele vai.

✓

Talvez ele vá.

Using indicative after 'talvez'.
✗

Espero que nós sejamos.

✓

Espero que nós sejamos.

Actually correct, but often confused with 'somos'.
✗

É importante que ele ir.

✓

É importante que ele vá.

Infinitive error.
✗

Não creio que ele esteja.

✓

Não creio que ele esteja.

Correct, but learners often use 'é'.
✗

Embora ele é...

✓

Embora ele seja...

Concession requires subjunctive.
✗

Por mais que ele é...

✓

Por mais que ele seja...

Complex concession.
✗

Seja que ele vá?

✓

Será que ele vá?

Wrong interrogative structure.
✗

É preciso que ele vá ter.

✓

É preciso que ele vá.

Redundant auxiliary.
✗

Duvido que ele vá estar.

✓

Duvido que ele esteja.

Unnecessary auxiliary.

Sentence Patterns

Espero que você ___ bem.

Duvido que ele ___ à festa.

É fundamental que ele ___ honesto.

Talvez ela ___ pronta para sair.

Real World Usage

Texting constant

Espero que esteja tudo bem!

Job Interview very common

É importante que o candidato seja proativo.

Travel common

Duvido que o voo vá sair agora.

Food Delivery occasional

Espero que a comida esteja quente.

Social Media very common

Desejo que você seja muito feliz!

Academic Writing common

É necessário que a pesquisa vá além.

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💡

Focus on stems

Don't memorize the whole word. Memorize the stem: sej-, v-, estej-.
⚠️

Watch the trigger

If there is no trigger, don't use the subjunctive.
🎯

Use 'que'

The word 'que' is your best friend. It almost always signals a subjunctive verb follows.
💬

Regional usage

In Brazil, 'esteja' is used more often than in Portugal, where 'estejas' is preferred for 'tu'.

Smart Tips

Immediately switch to the subjunctive.

Espero que ele é feliz. → Espero que ele seja feliz.

Use the subjunctive form.

Duvido que ele vai. → Duvido que ele vá.

Use 'É preciso que' + subjunctive.

É preciso que ele ir. → É preciso que ele vá.

Always follow with subjunctive.

Talvez ele está aqui. → Talvez ele esteja aqui.

Pronunciation

/ˈsɛ.ʒɐ/

Open vowels

The 'e' in 'seja' and 'esteja' is open.

Rising at the end

Espero que ele vá? ↑

Uncertainty/Question

Memorize It

Mnemonic

S.I.E. (Seja, Ir-vá, Esteja) — Think of 'SIE' as 'See' (I see the subjunctive).

Visual Association

Imagine a rebel soldier (Ser) going (Ir) to a place and staying (Estar) there. He is a 'rebel' because he doesn't follow the rules.

Rhyme

Seja, vá, esteja, não se esqueça, a regra é essa!

Story

A rebel named 'Seja' wanted to 'Vá' (go) to the beach. He was so happy that he decided to 'Esteja' (stay) there forever.

Word Web

sejaváestejasejamosestejamosvão

Challenge

Write 3 sentences using 'Espero que' with each of the three verbs.

Cultural Notes

In Brazil, 'você' is standard, so 'esteja' is very common.

In Portugal, 'tu' is more common, but the subjunctive form remains 'estejas'.

Subjunctive is used heavily in contracts.

Derived from Latin subjunctive forms.

Conversation Starters

“

O que você espera que seja diferente amanhã?

“

Você duvida que ele vá viajar?

“

É importante que você esteja feliz no trabalho?

“

Talvez ele seja o melhor?

Journal Prompts

Escreva sobre um desejo que você tem para o futuro usando 'espero que'.
Descreva uma situação onde você duvida de algo.
Escreva sobre a importância de ser honesto.
Crie um diálogo onde alguém planeja uma viagem incerta.

Common Mistakes

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

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Test Yourself

Fill in the blank.

Espero que você ___ feliz.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: seja
Subjunctive after 'espero que'.
Choose the correct form. Multiple Choice

Duvido que ele ___ à festa.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: vá
Subjunctive after 'duvido que'.
Correct the sentence. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

É importante que ele está pronto.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: esteja
Subjunctive after 'é importante que'.
Change to subjunctive. Sentence Transformation

Ele é feliz. (Espero que...)

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Espero que ele seja feliz.
Subjunctive conjugation.
Is this rule correct? True False Rule

The subjunctive is used for facts.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: False
Subjunctive is for subjectivity.
Complete the dialogue. Dialogue Completion

A: Ele vai viajar? B: Duvido que ele ___.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: vá
Subjunctive after 'duvido que'.
Build the sentence. Sentence Building

que / feliz / espero / seja / você

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Espero que você seja feliz.
Correct word order.
Sort into Indicative or Subjunctive. Grammar Sorting

Ele é / Ele seja

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Indicative / Subjunctive
Fact vs Wish.

Score: /8

Practice Exercises

8 exercises
Fill in the blank.

Espero que você ___ feliz.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: seja
Subjunctive after 'espero que'.
Choose the correct form. Multiple Choice

Duvido que ele ___ à festa.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: vá
Subjunctive after 'duvido que'.
Correct the sentence. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

É importante que ele está pronto.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: esteja
Subjunctive after 'é importante que'.
Change to subjunctive. Sentence Transformation

Ele é feliz. (Espero que...)

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Espero que ele seja feliz.
Subjunctive conjugation.
Is this rule correct? True False Rule

The subjunctive is used for facts.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: False
Subjunctive is for subjectivity.
Complete the dialogue. Dialogue Completion

A: Ele vai viajar? B: Duvido que ele ___.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: vá
Subjunctive after 'duvido que'.
Build the sentence. Sentence Building

que / feliz / espero / seja / você

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Espero que você seja feliz.
Correct word order.
Sort into Indicative or Subjunctive. Grammar Sorting

Ele é / Ele seja

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Indicative / Subjunctive
Fact vs Wish.

Score: /8

Practice Bank

12 exercises
Conjugate 'Saber' (você). Fill in the Blank

Duvido que ele ___ a resposta.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: saiba
Conjugate 'Dar' (eles). Fill in the Blank

É preciso que eles ___ o exemplo.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: deem
Unscramble the sentence. Sentence Reorder

vá / quero / não / que / você / embora

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Não quero que você vá embora
Translate 'I hope everything is okay.' Translation

I hope everything is okay. (estar)

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Espero que tudo esteja bem.
Fix the 'portunhol' mistake. Error Correction

Não quero que ele seje chato.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Não quero que ele seja chato.
Match the Indicative to the Subjunctive. Match Pairs

Match the pairs

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: {"Eu dou":"Que eu d\u00ea","Eu sei":"Que eu saiba","Eu sou":"Que eu seja","Eu vou":"Que eu v\u00e1"}
Select the correct form for 'Nós'. Multiple Choice

Talvez nós ___ ao cinema.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: vamos
Conjugate 'Haver'. Fill in the Blank

Tomara que ___ sol amanhã.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: haja
Correct the verb 'Estar'. Error Correction

Duvido que eles esteje em casa.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Duvido que eles estejam em casa.
Translate 'Maybe he knows.' Translation

Maybe he knows.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Talvez ele saiba.
Which is the correct command form (using subjunctive logic)? Multiple Choice

___ paciente! (Ser - você)

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Seja
Conjugate 'Querer'. Fill in the Blank

Ela quer que nós a ___ bem.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: queiramos

Score: /12

FAQ (8)

It stems from Latin 'ire', which was already irregular.

No, it is grammatically incorrect.

Yes, it is the 'nós' form.

Try to remember the stems 'sej-', 'v-', 'estej-'.

Yes, they are standard.

Yes, subjunctive adds subjectivity.

Yes, like 'ter' (tenha) and 'fazer' (faça).

As soon as you start expressing opinions.

Scaffolded Practice

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In Other Languages

Spanish high

sea, vaya, esté

Pronunciation and minor spelling.

French moderate

soit, aille, soit

French 'aller' becomes 'aille'.

German low

sei, gehe, sei

German is not a Romance language.

Japanese none

n/a

No verb conjugation for mood.

Arabic low

n/a

Semitic root system.

Chinese none

n/a

No conjugation.

Learning Path

Prerequisites

Next
Wishing with 'Ter': The Present Subjunctive

Learn These First

A1 Requires

Portuguese Verb SER: Who You Are (to be - permanent)

Overview The Portuguese verb `ser` is one of two fundamental verbs translating to 'to be' in English. It describes **inh...
B1 Requires

Portuguese Present Subjunctive (Regular Verbs)

Overview The Portuguese Present Subjunctive is a grammatical mood used to express subjectivity rather than objective fac...

Related Grammar Rules

C2

Portuguese Wishes and Regrets: Independent Subjunctive (Subjuntivo Independente)

Overview Have you ever seen a Portuguese sentence that starts with `Que` and ends with an exclamation mark, but seems to...
B2

Using 'Sem que': Without/Unless with Subjunctive

Overview `Sem que` is a fundamental subordinating conjunction in Portuguese, crucial for expressing actions that **fail...
B1

If I Have Time: The Future Subjunctive of 'Ter' (tiver)

Overview The Portuguese Future Subjunctive of `ter` (to have), specifically the form `tiver`, is a critical grammatical...
C1

Portuguese Time Limits: Using 'Até Que' (Until...)

Overview `Até que` in Portuguese functions as a crucial conjunction, establishing a temporal or conditional limit for an...
B2

Imperfect Subjunctive (The "If I Were" Tense)

Overview The Imperfect Subjunctive in Portuguese serves as a crucial grammatical tool for expressing actions, states, or...
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