The I in WEIRDO stands for impersonal expressions: constructions built on es + adjective + que that make a general judgment or evaluation. These expressions don't belong to any particular subject (hence "impersonal"), but they trigger the subjunctive in the clause that follows because they express an attitude rather than a neutral fact.
The Structure
Es + [adjective] + que + [subjunctive verb]
The main clause contains a short evaluative phrase ("it is necessary," "it is important," "it is possible"), followed by que and a dependent clause whose verb is in the subjunctive.
Common Triggers
| Spanish | English |
|---|---|
| es necesario que | it's necessary that |
| es importante que | it's important that |
| es bueno que | it's good that |
| es malo que | it's bad that |
| es mejor que | it's better that |
| es posible que | it's possible that |
| es probable que | it's probable that |
| es difícil que | it's unlikely / difficult that |
| es triste que | it's sad that |
| es raro que | it's strange that |
| es urgente que | it's urgent that |
| es una lástima que | it's a shame that |
Es necesario que and Es importante que
These two are extremely common in everyday speech and are often used to give advice or state requirements.
Es necesario que lleguen a tiempo a la reunión.
It's necessary that they arrive on time to the meeting.
Es importante que estudies todos los días.
It's important that you study every day.
Es necesario que hablemos con el director.
It's necessary that we speak with the director.
Es posible que and Es probable que
These express a degree of uncertainty, which naturally takes the subjunctive.
Es posible que llueva esta tarde.
It's possible that it will rain this afternoon.
Es probable que los niños se despierten temprano.
It's probable that the children will wake up early.
Es posible que haya un problema con la conexión.
It's possible that there's a problem with the connection.
Es bueno, malo, triste, raro
These express an evaluative judgment about the situation.
Es bueno que los estudiantes practiquen todos los días.
It's good that the students practice every day.
Es triste que no podamos vernos más seguido.
It's sad that we can't see each other more often.
Es raro que no hayas recibido el correo.
It's strange that you haven't received the email.
When No Specific Subject Is Stated
If the impersonal expression is followed by an infinitive rather than que + subjunctive, it refers to a general statement that applies to anyone, not a specific person.
- Es importante estudiar. — "It's important to study." (General advice for anyone.)
- Es importante que estudies. — "It's important that you study." (Addressed to a specific person.)
The Certainty Exception
Not every es + adjective + que expression takes the subjunctive. A small but important group expresses certainty or evident truth and therefore uses the indicative instead. These include:
- es cierto que — it's certain that
- es verdad que — it's true that
- es obvio que — it's obvious that
- es evidente que — it's evident that
- es seguro que — it's sure that
- está claro que — it's clear that
When these expressions are affirmative, they take the indicative. When they are negated, they express doubt and switch back to the subjunctive.
| Sentence | Mood | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Es cierto que llueve. | indicative | Affirming a fact |
| No es cierto que llueva. | subjunctive | Denying / doubting the fact |
| Es obvio que lo sabe. | indicative | Clear truth |
| No es obvio que lo sepa. | subjunctive | Uncertainty |
No es verdad que ellos estén enojados contigo.
It's not true that they are angry with you.
More Examples
Es mejor que descanses antes del examen.
It's better that you rest before the exam.
Es urgente que llamemos al médico ahora mismo.
It's urgent that we call the doctor right now.
Es una lástima que no puedan venir a la boda.
It's a shame that they can't come to the wedding.
With this page, you've covered the main triggers for the present subjunctive. Practice combining the formation rules from the earlier pages with the triggers from these last four pages, and the subjunctive will start to feel like a natural extension of the indicative rather than a separate mood.
Related Topics
- Subjunctive Triggers OverviewB1 — An overview of the WEIRDO categories that introduce the subjunctive in Spanish dependent clauses.
- Wishes and Desires (Querer que, Esperar que)B1 — Use the subjunctive after verbs of wish, hope, and desire when the subject changes.
- Emotions (Alegrarse de que, Sentir que)B1 — Use the subjunctive after main clauses that express an emotional reaction to another subject's actions or states.