Which Tense of the Subjunctive
Look at the main verb first, then choose the subjunctive.
How It Works
| Main verb | Same time or later | Earlier |
|---|---|---|
| present or future (rogo, rogabo) | present: facias | perfect: feceris |
| past (rogabam, rogavi, rogaveram) | imperfect: faceres | pluperfect: fecisses |
Textbooks call the first row primary and the second row secondary sequence.
The perfect counts as a past verb when it means I asked, and as a present verb when it means I have asked. A word such as heri (yesterday) makes it plainly past.
The rule applies to purpose and fear clauses, to reported commands and questions, and to cum clauses. Result clauses usually follow it as well. Check the main verb before you write the subjunctive.
Examples (5)
- Rogo quid facias.
I ask what you are doing.
Rogo is present, so the subjunctive for the same time is the present facias.
- Rogavi quid faceres.
I asked what you were doing.
Rogavi is a plain past, so the same time takes the imperfect faceres.
- Nescio quid fecerit.
I do not know what he did.
A present main verb and an earlier act: the perfect subjunctive fecerit.
- Nesciebam quid fecisset.
I did not know what he had done.
A past main verb and an earlier act: the pluperfect subjunctive fecisset.
- Rogabo cur venias.
I will ask why you are coming.
A future main verb counts with the present, so the present subjunctive venias follows.
Common Mistakes
Using the present subjunctive after a clearly past main verb.
Heri rogavi quid facias.Heri rogavi quid faceres.Heri makes rogavi a plain past, so the imperfect faceres is needed. Facias would suit the present: I ask now what you are doing.
How It Connects
Learn This First
The tense of the subjunctive follows the tense of the main verb, so the subjunctive tenses and indirect questions come first.
- Perfect Subjunctive: amaverim
Know the perfect subjunctive, because it follows a present main verb.
Level 5 - Pluperfect Subjunctive: amavissem
Know the pluperfect subjunctive, because it follows a past main verb.
Level 5 - Reported Questions
Know indirect questions, because the rule is shown with them: Rogo quid facias, Rogavi quid faceres.
Level 5
Related Patterns
Learn Next
Patterns that build on this one.
Practice Which Tense of the Subjunctive in Bubblegum
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