Question 1

Why do we use the imperfect subjunctive fuera here instead of the present subjunctive?

Accepted Answer

Ojalá can be followed by different tenses depending on how likely the wish is. Because the speaker is expressing an unreal or impossible wish about their current reality (it actually is currently their only thought), we use the imperfect subjunctive (fuera). If it were a realistic hope for the future, we would use the present subjunctive.

Question 2

Why does the sentence use the infinitive ganar (to win) instead of a word for "winning"?

Accepted Answer

In English, we often use the "-ing" form as a noun, like in "winning the lottery." In Spanish, whenever an action acts as a noun or the subject of a sentence, you must use the infinitive (ganar). The Spanish "-ing" form (ganando) is strictly used for active actions in progress.

Question 3

Why is fuera (from ser) used here rather than a form of estar?

Accepted Answer

We use the verb ser because the sentence links a subject (ganar la lotería) to a noun phrase that defines it (mi único pensamiento). Whenever you are defining what something is, or equating two nouns, you use ser.

Question 4

Why does the adjective único come before the noun pensamiento?

Accepted Answer

While most descriptive adjectives go after the noun in Spanish, limiting adjectives often go before it. When único means "only" or "single," it belongs in front of the noun to show quantity or limitation, much like numbers do.

Ojalá ganar la lotería no fuera mi único pensamiento.

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