Spanish
Grade 9
15 min
Me Preocupa Que... - I'm Worried That... (Subjunctive Practice)
Practice using the subjunctive mood with expressions of concern (Me preocupa que..., Temo que...).
What you'll learn
- Identify at least 4 out of 5 correct subjunctive verb forms in sentences expressing worry (Me preocupa que...) after being provided with a list of verbs in the infinitive form.
- Apply the correct subjunctive conjugation to complete 3 out of 4 sentences expressing worry (Me preocupa que...) in a fill-in-the-blank exercise.
- Explain in writing, using at least 3 complete sentences in Spanish, why the subjunctive mood is required after the phrase 'Me preocupa que...'.
- Create 2 original sentences in Spanish using 'Me preocupa que...' followed by a subjunctive verb, demonstrating accurate grammar and expressing a personal worry.
Tutorial Preview
1
Introduction & Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives
Define the expression 'Me preocupa que...' and its function in expressing worry or concern.
Identify that 'Me preocupa que...' is a trigger phrase for the present subjunctive.
Correctly conjugate regular -AR, -ER, and -IR verbs in the present subjunctive following 'Me preocupa que...'.
Correctly conjugate common irregular verbs (like ser, estar, ir, tener) in the present subjunctive following 'Me preocupa que...'.
Construct complete sentences using 'Me preocupa que...' to express personal worries about friends, family, or school.
Differentiate between using the subjunctive with 'Me preocupa que...' and the infinitive with 'Me preocupa...' when there is no change in subject.
Ever worry a...
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Key Concepts & Vocabulary
TermDefinitionExample
Subjunctive Mood (El Subjuntivo)A verb mood used to express subjectivity: desires, doubts, wishes, emotions, and other non-factual situations. It's about the speaker's feeling about an action, not a statement of fact.Espero que **entiendas** la lección. (I hope that you understand the lesson.)
Trigger PhraseA phrase in the first part of a sentence that signals the need for the subjunctive in the second part. 'Me preocupa que...' is a trigger phrase based on emotion.**Me preocupa que** él no llame. ('Me preocupa que' triggers the subjunctive 'llame'.)
Main ClauseThe part of the sentence that contains the trigger phrase and can often stand alone. It establishes the speaker's perspective.En la oración 'Me preocupa que ll...
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Grammar Rules & Patterns
The 'Me Preocupa Que' Formula
Me preocupa que + [New Subject] + [Verb in Present Subjunctive]
Use this formula when the person who is worried (implied 'yo') is different from the subject of the action causing the worry. The word 'que' is essential to connect the two different subjects and introduce the subjunctive verb.
No Change of Subject = Infinitive
Me preocupa + [Verb in Infinitive]
If you are worried about your *own* action, there is no change of subject. In this case, you do not use 'que' or the subjunctive. Instead, you use the infinitive form of the verb directly after 'preocupa'.
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Challenging
You see your best friend isn't eating their lunch. Which sentence best expresses your concern using the correct subjunctive structure?
A.Me preocupa que mi amigo no come.
B.Me preocupa que mi amigo no coma.
C.Me preocupa no comer.
D.Me preocupa que mi amigo no comer.
Challenging
Why does an expression of emotion like 'Me preocupa que...' trigger the subjunctive mood instead of the indicative mood?
A.Because the emotion makes the following clause a subjective reality or concern, not a declared fact.
B.Because all sentences with the word 'que' must use the subjunctive.
C.Because the indicative mood is only used for questions.
D.Because it always refers to a hypothetical future event.
Challenging
The sentence 'Me preocupa que el profesor nos da un examen sorpresa' is incorrect. What is the correct form and why?
A.Correct form: '...nos dan...'. Reason: The subject is plural.
B.Correct form: '...nos dar...'. Reason: The infinitive is needed.
C.Correct form: '...nos damos...'. Reason: The verb should be reflexive.
D.Correct form: '...nos dé...'. Reason: The trigger 'Me preocupa que' requires the subjunctive.
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Frequently asked questions
What grade level is "Me Preocupa Que... - I'm Worried That... (Subjunctive Practice)"?
Me Preocupa Que... - I'm Worried That... (Subjunctive Practice) is a Grade 9 Spanish lesson on ExcelOS.
What will I learn in Me Preocupa Que... - I'm Worried That... (Subjunctive Practice)?
You'll be able to: Identify at least 4 out of 5 correct subjunctive verb forms in sentences expressing worry (Me preocupa que...) after being provided with a list of verbs in the infinitive form; Apply the correct subjunctive conjugation to….
Is "Me Preocupa Que... - I'm Worried That... (Subjunctive Practice)" free to practice?
Yes. You can read the tutorial preview for free, and signing up for a free ExcelOS account unlocks the full tutorial and all practice questions with instant feedback.
How many practice questions are included with Me Preocupa Que... - I'm Worried That... (Subjunctive Practice)?
This lesson includes 25 practice questions across multiple difficulty levels, each with instant feedback and explanations.