Breakdown of Ponemos el sensor aquí para que detecte el movimiento.
aquí
here
poner
to put / to set (the table) / to make (an excuse) / to give, to impose (a fine, a penalty)
para que
so that
el sensor
the sensor
detectar
to detect
el movimiento
the movement
Questions & Answers about Ponemos el sensor aquí para que detecte el movimiento.
Why do we use the subjunctive detecte instead of the indicative detecta here?
Because of the phrase para que (so that). In Spanish, para que always triggers the subjunctive because it expresses an intention or a purpose that has not been realized yet, rather than stating an established fact.
Why can't we just use the infinitive and say para detectar?
You use para + infinitive when the subject doing both actions is the same (for example, 'We go para detectar' means 'We go in order to detect'). But in this sentence, there is a change of subject: we place the sensor, but the sensor does the detecting. When the subject changes, you must use para que + the subjunctive.
Wait, the verb is detectar. Why does it end in an -e in detecte?
That is how you form the present subjunctive! For regular -ar verbs like detectar, you swap the normal -a endings for -e endings. So, the present indicative detecta (it detects) becomes the present subjunctive detecte.
Would it be natural to use acá instead of aquí to mean 'here' in this sentence?
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