A final use of the subjunctive is to indicate a relationship of dependence between two actions. There are a few specific expressions that always take the subjunctive in this context. One way to remember them is that the first letters spell the word ESCAPA, with one extra A on the end:
en caso de que (in case)
sin que (without)
con tal de que (provided that)
a menos que (unless)
para que (so that)*
a condición de que (on the condition that)
a fin de que (so that)
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* Para que is one of the most common phrases used with the subjunctive, so be especially aware of it. |
| Examples: |
Les explicamos el subjuntivo para que lo entiendan. |
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No vamos al cine a menos que alguien nos lleve. |
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Salieron de la casa sin que nadie se diera cuenta. |
With aunque, meaning "although", "even though" or "even if", the subjunctive is used to describe something that is unknown or contrary to fact. Note the difference in meaning between these two sentences:
Mi primo decidió dedicarse a la escultura, aunque a sus padres no les gustaba.
My cousin decided to do sculpture for a living, even though his parents didn't like it. (Using the indicative implies that his parents definitely didn't like it) |
Mi primo decidió dedicarse a la escultura, aunque a sus padres no les gustara.
My cousin decided to do sculpture for a living, even if his parents didn't like it. (Using the subjunctive implies that we don't know if his parents wouldn't like it or not) |
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