Language & Literature

Subjunctive vs Indicative Practice: Test Your Spanish Mood Skills

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This quiz helps you master the subjunctive vs indicative by choosing the right mood in real sentences. Answer 20 short items and see instant results with notes to spot what to fix. For more practice with tricky pairs, try the ser vs estar quiz, check your tenses with the preterite vs imperfect test, or review prepositions in the por vs para test.

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Paper art illustrating a trivia quiz for high school Spanish learners on verb moods.
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1Choose the correct mood to complete: Quiero que tú ____ temprano.
2Statement: Es obvio que ella está en casa uses the indicative.
3Select the sentence that correctly uses the subjunctive for doubt.
4Complete with the correct mood: Busco a alguien que ____ japonés.
5Statement: Ojalá que pase el examen requires the subjunctive.
6Statement: Tal vez venga Juan can take the subjunctive to show uncertainty.
7Complete correctly with antes de que: Salgamos antes de que ____ el sol.
8Pick the correct mood in a habitual time clause: Siempre desayuno cuando ____ mi familia.
9Statement: Es probable que tienen dinero is correct.
10Choose the correct sentence with nonexistent antecedent.
11Choose the correct mood with como si.
12Pick the correct completion after en cuanto with future reference.
13Statement: A menos que llueve is correct in formal Spanish.
14Select the sentence where the indicative is required.
15Choose the correct mood in a relative clause with a specific, known antecedent.
16Pick the correct mood after quizás with high certainty (speaker sure).
17Choose the correct sequence of tenses after a past main verb expressing doubt.
18Statement: Para cuando lo veas, ya me habré ido correctly uses the subjunctive after para cuando with future reference.
19Select the correct mood with a restrictive antecedent using cualquiera que.
20Pick the correct mood with possibly nonexistent place.
Learning Goals

Study Outcomes

  1. Understand the differences between the subjunctive and indicative moods in Spanish.
  2. Analyze sentence structures to identify the correct mood based on context.
  3. Apply grammar rules to determine when to use the subjunctive versus the indicative mood.
  4. Evaluate exam-style questions to select the appropriate verb mood.
  5. Demonstrate readiness for tests by effectively distinguishing between verbal moods.
Study Guide

Spanish: Subjunctive vs Indicative Cheat Sheet

  1. Indicative vs. Subjunctive Basics - The indicative mood is your go‑to for stating facts, certainties, and describing what's real and happening. The subjunctive, however, thrives on uncertainty, wishes, emotions, and things that haven't happened yet. Once you tune into the vibe - fact vs. possibility - you'll slay those mood choices every time. SpanishDict Guide
  2. Spotting Subjunctive Triggers - Certain verbs and expressions automatically flip your sentence into subjunctive mode when they express wishes, emotions, or doubts. Phrases like "quiero que" or "me alegra que" are classic red flags for the subjunctive. Keep an ear out for these triggers to avoid mixing up moods. Spanish Academy Article
  3. Remember the WEIRDO Acronym - WEIRDO stands for Wishes, Emotions, Impersonal expressions, Recommendations, Doubt/Denial, and Ojalá. It's a super‑handy mnemonic that helps you recall the main reasons to use the subjunctive. Repeat it a few times, and it'll become second nature! Spanish Academy WEIRDO
  4. Conjunctions That Demand Subjunctive - Words like "para que" (so that) and "cuando" (when, for future or uncertain events) invite the subjunctive to the party every time. Get familiar with these, and you'll never accidentally slip into the indicative when talking about future plans or hypothetical situations. Spanish Academy Conjunctions
  5. Certainty vs. Uncertainty Drill - To master moods, analyze whether the speaker believes something is real or not. If it's a known fact, it's indicative; if it's up for debate or simply a wish, it's subjunctive. Practicing this mindset shift helps you choose correctly on the fly. FluentU Blog
  6. Doubt vs. Belief Rule - The subjunctive shines when you express doubt, denial, or lack of information. In contrast, the indicative comfortably handles situations you assume to be true. Spotting the difference in tone can make or break your sentence's meaning. Lingolia Comparison
  7. Key Phrase Flashcards - Create flashcards for phrases like "es importante que" and "ojalá que" to lock in the subjunctive triggers. Reviewing these regularly will train your brain to automatically switch moods when those phrases pop up. It's a quick win in your study routine! Spanish Academy Triggers
  8. Subordinate Clauses with "que" - Whenever you see "que" introducing a clause that's subjective - like hopes, feelings, or opinions - you'll use the subjunctive. This pattern is super common, so mastering it will boost your confidence in conversations and writing alike. FluentU Practice
  9. Conjugation Practice - Drill both indicative and subjunctive forms of regular and irregular verbs until they feel second nature. The more you conjugate out loud, the faster you'll recall the correct endings under pressure. Consider making mini‑quizzes for yourself or teaming up with a study buddy. 123TeachMe Quiz
  10. Interactive Quizzes & Exercises - Reinforce your knowledge by tackling exercises that mix both moods in various contexts. The instant feedback from online quizzes helps you spot patterns and fix mistakes on the spot. Turn it into a game - beat your high score each time! Tell Me In Spanish Quiz
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Updated Feb 19, 2026