Los bloques (The Blocks)

Learning Objectives Identify independent and dependent clauses as the primary 'blocks' of complex sentences. Correctly conjugate regular and common irregular verbs in the present subjunctive mood. Use conjunctions like 'para que', 'a menos que', and 'con tal de que' to connect clauses and trigger the subjunctive. Construct complex sentences expressing will, emotion, or doubt using verbs like 'querer que', 'esperar que', and 'dudar que'. Analyze sentences to determine whether the indicative or subjunctive mood is required. Combine simple sentences into a single, grammatically correct complex sentence using the subjunctive mood. Imagine building with LEGOs. How do you connect two different sections to make s...

TermDefinitionExample Cláusula Independiente (Independent Clause)A complete thought that can stand alone as a sentence. It's the main foundation block.Yo construyo una torre. (I build a tower.) Cláusula Dependiente (Dependent Clause)An incomplete thought that cannot stand alone as a sentence. It needs to be attached to an independent clause....para que mis amigos jueguen. (...so that my friends can play.) Conjunción Subordinante (Subordinating Conjunction)A 'connector block' word that joins a dependent clause to an independent clause. Certain conjunctions require the use of the subjunctive mood.para que (so that), a menos que (unless), con tal de que (provided that), antes de que (before) Oración Compleja (Complex Sentence)A sentence created by combining one independent cla...

The WEIRDO Trigger Rule for Noun Clauses Main Clause (WEIRDO Verb) + 'que' + Different Subject + Subjunctive Verb Use the subjunctive in a dependent noun clause when the main clause verb expresses Will/Wish, Emotion, Impersonal Expressions, Recommendations, Doubt/Denial, or Ojalá. This is the most common structure for using subjunctive 'blocks'. The ESCAPA Conjunction Rule for Adverbial Clauses Main Clause + ESCAPA Conjunction + Subjunctive Verb Certain conjunctions always trigger the subjunctive in the following clause, as long as the action has not yet occurred. Remember the acronym ESCAPA: En caso de que (in case), Sin que (without), Con tal de que (provided that), A menos que (unless), Para que (so that), Antes de que (before). Present Subjunctive...