Using the Subjunctive with Impersonal Expressions

There are a number of impersonal expressions that "trigger" the subjunctive in Spanish.  Here are some of the most common:

  • conviene que -- it is advisable that

    es bueno que -- it's good that

    es difícil que -- it's unlikely that

    es importante que -- it's important that

    es (una) lástima que -- it's a shame that

    es necesario que -- it's necessary that

    es preferible que -- it's preferable that

    es terrible que -- it's terrible that

    más vale que -- it's better that

    ojalá que -- if only he would

    puede ser que -- it could be that

    conviene que -- it is advisable that

    es bueno que -- it's good that

    es difícil que -- it's unlikely that

    es importante que -- it's important that

    es (una) lástima que -- it's a shame that

    es necesario que -- it's necessary that

    es preferible que -- it's preferable that

    es terrible que -- it's terrible that

    más vale que -- it's better that

    ojalá que -- if only he would

    puede ser que -- it may be that

    para que -- so that

    de manera que -- so/in such a way that 

Notice that all of these statements are talking about events that are not real.

Here are some examples:

  • Conviene que estudies más -- It is advisable that you study more

    Es importante que apruebes el exámen -- It is important that you pass the test

    Es necesario que te concentres más -- It is necessary for you to concentrate more

    Más vale que estudies ahora que en vacaciones -- It's better for you to study now than during holiday/vacation

    Ojalá que pueda venir -- If only he could come; I wish he could come

    Ojalá viniera -- If only he had come; I wish he could have come


Note that ojalá can be used with or without the que.
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