As we saw in our last lesson, verbs in the subjunctive mood are not always generated by a subjunctive trigger verb in an independent clause. Over the next lessons, we will see various instances in which verbs conjugated in the subjunctive are required. In this lesson, we will focus on the consistency of the present and future indicative, as well as the imperative, with the subjunctive mood.
In order to explore the subjunctive’s relationship with the present and future indicative and with the imperative mood, let’s break them up and see how they work individually:
In the examples above, we see two-clause sentences, one containing a verb in the present indicative, and one in the subjunctive. This happens when the event in one clause is either factual or currently happening (present indicative) and the event in the other is not. In the first example we see che ti piaccia o no. When this is said, the speaker does not in fact know whether the person they are talking to will like the idea or not, hence the use of the subjunctive.
Above, we see two examples with the subjunctive in one clause, and a verb in the imperative mood in the other. We can interpret these sentences as “ if this happens, then do this.” The event that hasn’t actually happened is expressed in the subjunctive. With the conjunction se, remember to use the imperfect subjunctive.
In the examples above, again, the verbs in the subjunctive have not necessarily taken place. The verb in the other clause, which will be in the future indicative, can be interpreted as “this will happen, if this happens.”
In order to explore the subjunctive’s relationship with the present and future indicative and with the imperative mood, let’s break them up and see how they work individually:
Present Indicative and SubjunctiveIo oggi rimango a Firenze, che ti piaccia o no.I’m staying in Florence today, whether you like it or not. Qualora tu voglia approfondire questo argomento, ti consiglio di leggere il nuovo libro di Luciano Gallino. If you want to explore this topic, I suggest you read the new book Luciano Gallino wrote. |
In the examples above, we see two-clause sentences, one containing a verb in the present indicative, and one in the subjunctive. This happens when the event in one clause is either factual or currently happening (present indicative) and the event in the other is not. In the first example we see che ti piaccia o no. When this is said, the speaker does not in fact know whether the person they are talking to will like the idea or not, hence the use of the subjunctive.
Imperative and SubjunctiveSe cambiassi idea e decidessi di dormire da me stasera, chiamami!If you change your mind and decide to sleep over at my place tonight, call me! Semmai volessi un consiglio, conta su di me. In case you wanted some advice, count on me. |
Above, we see two examples with the subjunctive in one clause, and a verb in the imperative mood in the other. We can interpret these sentences as “ if this happens, then do this.” The event that hasn’t actually happened is expressed in the subjunctive. With the conjunction se, remember to use the imperfect subjunctive.
Future Indicative and SubjunctiveSe domani decidessi di venire a trovarmi, ne sarò felice!If you decide to come see me tomorrow, I’ll be happy! Che ti piaccia o meno, questa sera vedremo il documentario insieme. Whether you like it or not, tonight we will watch the documentary together. |
In the examples above, again, the verbs in the subjunctive have not necessarily taken place. The verb in the other clause, which will be in the future indicative, can be interpreted as “this will happen, if this happens.”