Spanish
Grade 9
15 min
Esperar que, ojal�
Esperar que, ojal�
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Introduction & Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives
Differentiate between the use of 'esperar que' and 'ojalá' to express hopes and wishes.
Correctly conjugate regular -ar, -er, and -ir verbs in the present subjunctive.
Construct sentences using 'esperar que' + subjunctive when there is a change of subject.
Formulate wishes using 'ojalá' + subjunctive.
Identify the two clauses (main and subordinate) in sentences with 'esperar que'.
Recognize when to use the infinitive versus the subjunctive with the verb 'esperar'.
Ever crossed your fingers and wished for something to happen? 🙏 Let's learn how to say 'I hope that...' and 'If only...' in Spanish!
This lesson will teach you how to use two key expressions, 'esperar que...
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Key Concepts & Vocabulary
TermDefinitionExample
Subjuntivo (Subjunctive Mood)A verb mood (not a tense) used to express desires, doubts, wishes, uncertainty, and other non-factual situations. It reflects the speaker's subjective attitude toward an event.Espero que **haga** buen tiempo. (I hope the weather **is** good.) - The good weather is a hope, not a fact.
Indicativo (Indicative Mood)The verb mood used to state facts, describe reality, and express certainty.**Hace** buen tiempo. (The weather **is** good.) - This is a statement of fact.
Esperar queA phrase meaning 'to hope that'. It triggers the use of the subjunctive when the subject of the main clause is different from the subject of the subordinate clause.Yo espero que tú **vengas** a la fiesta. (I hope that you come to the party.)
OjaláAn expr...
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Grammar Rules & Patterns
The 'Esperar que' + Subjunctive Formula
[Subject 1] + esperar + que + [Subject 2] + [Verb in Present Subjunctive]
Use this structure when the person hoping (Subject 1) is different from the person expected to perform the action (Subject 2). The word 'que' is the bridge that connects the two different subjects and triggers the subjunctive.
The 'Ojalá' + Subjunctive Formula
Ojalá + (que) + [Verb in Present Subjunctive]
Use this structure to express a strong hope or wish. The 'que' after 'ojalá' is optional but commonly used. This expression is always followed by the subjunctive, regardless of the subject.
The 'Esperar' + Infinitive Rule
[Subject 1] + esperar + [Verb in Infinitive]
Use this structure when there...
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Challenging
Analyze the sentence: 'Mis padres esperan que mi hermano y yo limpiemos la casa.' Why is 'limpiemos' the correct verb form?
A.It is the indicative form for 'nosotros', and 'esperar que' is always followed by the indicative.
B.It is the subjunctive form for 'nosotros', required because the subject changes from 'Mis padres' to 'mi hermano y yo' (nosotros).
C.It is the infinitive form, used because the action has not happened yet.
D.It is the subjunctive form for 'ellos', which matches the subject 'Mis padres'.
Challenging
A common mistake is saying 'Espero que yo apruebe el examen.' While it seems to follow the S1 + que + S2 pattern, it's considered awkward. What principle from the tutorial explains why 'Espero aprobar el examen' is the preferred, more natural structure?
A.The principle that 'ojalá' is stronger than 'esperar que'.
B.The principle that the indicative should be used when talking about oneself.
C.The 'Esperar + Infinitive Rule' for when there is no change of subject, which is more concise and standard.
D.The principle that 'que' should be omitted whenever possible to simplify sentences.
Challenging
Evaluate the following sentences. Which one is the only grammatically correct and logical option?
A.Ojalá que nosotros estamos de vacaciones.
B.Yo espero que mis amigos se divierten en la fiesta.
C.Tú esperas recibir una bicicleta para tu cumpleaños.
D.El perro espera que su dueño a llegue pronto.
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