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Expressing uncertainty in Spanish using the Subjunctive Mood.
- Bilingua Spanish Academy
- Apr 14
- 4 min read
Updated: Apr 17
Quizás sí, quizás no...
In Spanish, we often use the subjunctive mood to talk about uncertainty, doubt, or possibility. One of the most common ways to show uncertainty is with the word “quizás” (maybe/perhaps). If you’re ready to take Spanish to the next level, it’s time to get comfortable using the subjunctive!
We often use it when we’re not 100% sure something will happen — when we’re guessing, hoping, or imagining. Other uses of the Subjunctive are to express wishful thinking, hopes, and emotions. You can read all about it here.
Expressing Uncertainty and Doubt
When you’re not sure if something happened or will happen or when you doubt the outcome. It’s especially common after expressions like:
Quizás / Tal vez – maybe
Es posible que – it’s possible that
Dudo que – I doubt that
No creo que – I don’t think that
Puede que – it might be
The Subjunctive and Its Different Tenses
Depending on how likely the wish is to come true, different tenses of the subjunctive are used.
Present Subjunctive: We use the present subjunctive when the action we're uncertain about is happening now or in the future.
Quizás ella venga mañana.
Maybe she will come tomorrow.
Es posible que ellos salgan esta noche.
It’s possible that they’ll go out tonight.
Tal vez llueva más tarde.
Maybe it will rain later.
Imperfect Subjunctive: When we were unsure about something happening in the past we use the imperfect subjunctive.
No creía que él tuviera razón.
I didn’t think he was right.
Quizás fuera verdad lo que dijo.
Maybe what he said was true.
Dudábamos que ella pudiera venir.
We doubted that she could come.
Present Perfect Subjunctive: This form is used when we’re unsure about something that has just happened.
Es posible que ellos hayan llegado.
It’s possible they have arrived.
Quizás hayas visto esa película.
Maybe you’ve seen that movie.
No creo que hayamos terminado.
I don’t think we’ve finished.
Past Perfect (Pluperfect) Subjunctive: For Regrets or Hypotheticals in the Distant Past. It’s great for “what if” situations or past regrets.
Quizás hubiera estudiado más si tuviera tiempo.
Maybe I would have studied more if I had had time.
Dudaba que hubieran llegado a tiempo.
I doubted they had arrived on time.
¿Qué habría pasado si hubieras estudiado más para el examen?
What would have happened if you had studied more for
the exam?"
How to Form the Subjunctive?
The subjunctive often appears in subordinate clauses that are introduced by specific phrases or conjunctions.
Tips and Tricks for Using the Subjunctive
Learn Common Triggers: Memorize the verbs, phrases, and conjunctions that commonly require the subjunctive. For example: quizás, tal vez, es posible que, es probable que, dudo que, no creo que, puede que, etc.
Understand the Intention: Focus on the intention of the sentence. If the action involves doubt, emotion, desire, or uncertainty, chances are it requires the subjunctive.
Practice with Flashcards: Use flashcards to memorize triggers, irregular forms and conjugations. Include example sentences to reinforce context.
Break Down Sentences: Identify the main clause and subordinate clause. If the main clause expresses doubt, desire, or emotion, the subordinate clause often uses the subjunctive.
Listen and Mimic: Watch Spanish movies, TV shows, or listen to songs that use the subjunctive. Pay attention to how native speakers use it and try mimicking their phrasing.
Write Sentences Daily: Incorporate the subjunctive into your daily writing. Start with simple sentences and gradually build complexity.
Ask for Feedback: Practice speaking with a tutor or native speaker and ask them to point out when you use or miss the subjunctive.
The "yo" ending: To form the present subjunctive, start with the first-person singular form of the verb in the present indicative, drop the final “-o,” and add the subjunctive endings.
Use Mnemonics: Create mnemonics for irregular verbs. For example, "SIDES" can help you remember ser, ir, dar, estar, saber – common irregular verbs in the subjunctive. Also, "WEIRDO" to identify when to use it.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Overusing the Subjunctive: Not every sentence with a subordinate clause requires the subjunctive. Statements of fact or certainty need the indicative mood.
Creo que es verdad. (I think it’s true.) – Indicative
No creo que sea verdad. (I don’t think it’s true.) – Subjunctive
Forgetting Agreement: Ensure the verb matches the subject in number and person.
Misidentifying Triggers: Not all impersonal expressions or conjunctions trigger the subjunctive. For example, porque (because) does not require it. Also, words such as cuando, mientras and que could be used in the subjunctive as much as in the indicative mood.
The subjunctive mood is a powerful tool for expressing nuance in Spanish and, even though it can feel daunting at first, understanding it through expressions of uncertainty, doub, or denial makes it easier and more meaningful. While it may take time to grasp fully, consistent practice and exposure will make it second nature.
Whether you’re unsure about the outcome of an event, or you’re making a conclusion about a situation, the subjunctive gives your Spanish that extra emotional depth. So next time you have a doubt or uncertainty, let the subjunctive do its magic!
Do you want to practice the use of SUBJUNCTIVE with an expert tutor? Join our Subjunctive Master Class and take your Spanish skills to the next level! This comprehensive package includes:
In-depth lessons to master the use of the Subjunctive Mood.
Engaging worksheets to reinforce your understanding
Handy cheat sheets for quick reference
Answer keys to track your progress
Live conversation practice with a native Spanish speaker
Whether you're an intermediate learner or if you're advanced looking to refine your fluency and accuracy, this class is designed to build your confidence in everyday conversation."
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