Product Description

Solve the mysteries of Spanish subjunctives

Practice Makes Perfect: The Spanish Subjunctive Up Close puts the spotlight on this tricky grammar trouble spot. It boasts plenty of opportunities for practicing your language skills, as well as extensive examples based on a conversational style that will keep you engaged. The book also features a unique answer key that gives you more than just a listing of correct answers; it clues you in on the "why" behind them.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #39918 in Books
• Published on: 2008-08-01
• Original language: Spanish, English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 128 pages

About the Author

Eric Vogt, Ph.D., teaches Spanish at Seattle Pacific University.

Customer Reviews

Incredible Book on the Subjunctive
I've always thought that the Spanish subjunctive was so complicated that it could be covered in a book by itself. I've always hoped for such a book, too. Following is its table of contents:

1. When to use the subjunctive and how to form its four tenses
2. Sequence of tenses and the subjunctive
3. Subordinated noun clauses
4. Subordinated adjective clauses
5. Adverbial expressions
6. Contrary-to-fact statements
7. Comprehensive exercises

The author states early in the book that many Spanish students assume that the subjunctive is all about doubt. The author is quick to explain that this assumption is problematic. The use of the subjunctive in doubt or uncertainty is only ONE of its many uses. I'm glad there's a book on the subjunctive that addresses this issue. I used to tutor a student in Spanish who thought the subjunctive was all about doubt. And trying to get her to understand that there was more to the subjunctive than just doubt was a difficult task.

The book explains how to conjugate all four tenses in the subjunctive, then it moves on to its uses. This book explains the uses of the subjunctive in the same order as many other books. First, it explains its uses in nominal clauses, then it moves on to adjective clauses, adverbial clauses, and contrary-to-fact statements. The end of the book has exercises.

I think this book is incredible, but I personally don't think it's a good idea to explain all four tenses at once. I think it's better to start out with the present subjunctive, learn how to use it, and then move on to the other tenses. The author mentions the future subjunctive and the future perfect subjunctive, but he doesn't explain how to use them. I wish he had; it's difficult to find reference materials that explain the future subjunctive.

I highly recommend this book. 5 stars!!!

Brandon Simpson

Useful, endure if you can bear it
What to say about the Spanish subjunctive? Anyone contemplating buying this will know it's quite a challenge and must accept that it can't be 'made easy'. To the extent it can, the book is helpfully divided up into logical chapters. The main drawback is the agonising emphasis on explaining tedious grammatical background - believe me this is arduous in this book, even for a grammar-fan like me. The author also seems to have certain grudges against things and the various snibes/jibes feel a little irrelevant. These points aside, the book tells you what you need to know, and is a handy size for carrying about with you to work on whenever you please.....

A definate no no for beginners
I have purchased this book after studying spanish for 2 years.

It is clear from the start it is not for beginners. That said I feel that if you have a grasp of spanish grammer and are motivated by learning new things you will enjoy this book immensely.

The subjunctive is, in most languages, the hardest part to comprehend because it can be used in many different ways, if you persevere through this book you will find a completely different world unfolding in front of your eyes.

My advice is don't be put off by the grammatical terms on the first few pages. If you stick with it you will not be disappointed.