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The Subjunctive-Indicative Distinction (S/I)

 
  Introduction | S/I in Noun Clauses | S/I in Adjective Clauses | S/I in Adverbial Clauses | S/I in Si Clauses  
  Past subjunctive, Sequence of Tenses | Perfect Subjunctive Tenses | Subjunctive in Main Clauses | Subjunctive After Ojalá  
 
  USE OF THE PERFECT SUBJUNCTIVE TENSES  
 

  • The two perfect subjunctive conjugations (present perfect subjunctive, pluperfect subjunctive) are used if the events they describe precede that of the main verb. Compare uses of non-perfect and perfect subjunctive tenses (see also sequence of tenses rules):

    • Es bueno que estudies la historia de España.
      • It's good that you study the history of Spain.
    • Es bueno que hayas estudiado la historia de España.
      • It's good that you've studied the history of Spain.
    • Queremos contratar a alguien que se gradúe pronto.
      • We want to hire someone who is graduating soon.
    • Queremos contratar a alguien que ya se haya graduado.
      • We want to hire someone who has already graduated.
    • Dudé que ellos me entendieran.
      • I doubted that they understood me.
    • Dudé que ellos me hubieran entendido.
      • I doubted that they had understood me.
 
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